The 2010 Pinot Noir Precocious El Camino Vineyard is arguably the most refined and polished of these offerings. Nothing in particular stands out, just the wine’s exceptional overall balance and silkiness. Hints of tobacco, mint and licorice add complexity and depth to the expressive fruit in this beautifully balanced Pinot. The Precocious El Camino Vineyard is yet another highlight in this lineup from Bryan Babcock. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018. I very much like what I tasted from Bryan Babcock this year. In particular, a handful of the 2010 Pinots are flat-out gorgeous.Tel. (805) 736-1455; info@babcockwinery.com

The 2009 Pinot Noir Precocious is another attractive wine from Bryan Babcock. This is a style built on aromatic complexity and nuance rather than on the textural richness that characterizes wines like Microcosm. Sweet tobacco, cedar, spices and worn-in leather add complexity to the delicate Pinot fruit. Precocious is a beautifully layered, elegant wine that should drink well for a number of years. The fruit was sourced from El Camino in Santa Barbara County, and the wine was aged in 40% new oak. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019. Tel. (805) 736-1455, info@babcockwinery.com

The 1992 Pinot Noir Estate exhibits a deep color, concentrated, highly extracted fruit, medium body, and a stylish, elegant, Volnay-like character. It is not too far-fetched to suggest that one could easily be tasting a wine from the likes of the Marquis d'Angerville when sniffing and swallowing Babcock's 1992 Estate Pinot Noir. A firmly structured wine, the Estate should age well for 4-5 years.Tel. (805) 736-1455