The 2009 Syrah Verna’s is a relatively straightforward wine, as most wines from this site are. Black cherries, flowers and spices are some of the notes that flow from this attractive, plush Syrah. The estate used 30-40% whole clusters here. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2016. Melville is one of the better known properties in Santa Barbara. The estate makes a wide range of wines under the direction of oenologist Greg Brewer, and also sells fruit to a number of other producers. The 2009 Pinot Noirs in particular are standouts. Brewer vinified the Pinots with one-third whole clusters. The 2010 Chardonnays had only recently been bottled and needed quite a bit of air to blow off some of their reductive qualities.Tel. (805) 735-7030; www.melvillewinery.com