Hump Day: A Treat From Santa Barbara

Last week, our friend Erika brought over a fantastic wine for a dinner party at our house.  A 2006 "Les Amours" Syrah from VIE Vineyards in Santa Barbara.  VIE Vineyards focuses on Rhone and Zinfandel varieties from California grapes, so it's no wonder I fell head over heels with this wine. This wine was delicious right out of the bottle.  With notes of plum, blackberry and spice, it was very juicy and well balanced.  It is made with grapes from two different California Syrah vineyards (Thompson and White Hawk) and also has a touch of Mourvèdre from Alta Vista Vineyard which apparently lends texture and color.  VIE Vineyards is now on my places to check out if I ever make it down to Santa Barbara.  I'm going on 6 years in California and I've somehow never found the time, but it is on my to-do list for this year!  Does anyone have other wineries in Santa Barbara that they recommend?