Kynsi 2008 Pinot Blanc Bien Nacido Vineyard Santa Maria Valley 

At first taste, I was wowed by this exceptional white because there are not many versions of this varietal that impress me. This is one of the most elegant and delicious Pinot Blancs I’ve tasted in a long time. Pretty in its aromas and flavors of ripe apple, pear, melon, and nectarine, it’s highlighted with notes of Meyer lemon, honey, and vanilla. According to Gwen Othman, co-owner and winemaker with her husband Don Othman: “It really brings out the sweetness in crab, and it’s a good pairing with seafood, which makes it very popular in restaurants.” While I loved it with the seafood she suggested, it stands alone. It is impressive and irresistible. A steal for the quality at $22 retail, it’s available at Kynsi’s Edna Valley tasting room.