The 2010 Viognier Verna’s was fermented and aged in stainless steel. It shows generous apricots, passion fruit and mint. There is considerable richness in the glass, but also elements of heaviness. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2014. 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

The full-bodied 2009 Viognier Verna’s Vineyard Estate continues to showcase this vineyard’s ability to produce a Viognier with minerality, wonderful delineation, and abundant complexity as well as freshness. Possibly the finest 100% Viognier being produced in California, its complex aromatics include notes of white peaches, apricots, honeysuckle, wet rocks, and assorted tropical fruits. The wine is somewhat ostentatious, but at the same time reveals a sense of restraint and gracefulness. This fresh, vibrant white should be drunk over the next year as the aromatics for Viognier tend to deteriorate quickly.This sensational Santa Rita Hills estate owned by the Melville family continues to turn out gorgeous wines that are made and looked after by Greg Brewer of the Brewer-Clifton winery. The prices are absurdly fair for such quality.Tel. (805) 735-7030; Fax (805) 735-5310

One of the freshest, most mineral-laced California Viogniers is Melville’s 2008 Viognier Verna’s Vineyard. Exotic, floral, peach, apricot, honeysuckle, crushed rock, and spring flower aromas jump from the glass of this medium-bodied, exuberantly fruity, delicious white wine. It is best consumed during its first 1-2 years of life. While Melville may be more well-known for their brilliant Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs, they also do a spectacular job with Rhone varietals.Tel. (805) 735-7030; Fax (805) 735-5310