Kimsey White Blend

Kimsey White Blend 2013: It’s not like we didn’t know Ballard Canyon could produce amazing roussanne, since we’ve had Stolpman’s L’Avion for years. But this blend (74% roussanne, 26% viognier) instantly shoots to the top of white wines in Santa Barbara County. William and Nancy Kimsey wisely hired winemaker Matt Dees (also from the neighboring property Jonata) and vineyard manager Ruben Solorzano to make their wines, which also include a fine grenache and syrah.

The white, though, is about as big as a wine can be while still staying magnificently balanced — just what you’d expect from Dees. The flavors run from peach to citrus, but it’s the life of the wine that’s most striking — you just feel special drinking it. It should pair heavenly with grilled halibut topped with a lime compound butter.

And to think Dees says the future vintages will be even better, with grenache blanc swapped in for the viognier. See kimseyvineyard.com.