I recently tasted through a lineup of wines from California winery Alma Rosa, and I have to say — I really liked every single one of them.

Proprietors Richard and Thekla Sanford founded what would become Sanford Winery nearly 40 years ago by planting the Sanford & Benedict vineyard in the Santa Rita Hills. Now, after teaming up with and then separating from Terlato (Paterno) wines, the Sanfords are continuing their decades-long commitment to organic farming and sustainable business practices with Alma Rosa winery.

They have 110 acres of estate vineyards on the historic Rancho Santa Rosa that was part of the original Spanish land grant in the Santa Barbara area, so the name reflects the “soul (alma) of the rancho.”

Alma Rosa specializes in traditional Burgundy varieties of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, as well as Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc, with winemaker Christian Roguenant (a Burgundy native and well-respected winemaker) consulting. Here are my notes:

Alma Rosa 2007 Pinot Gris Santa Barbara County ($20). Very nice, with a crisp mineral edge to nectarine, smooth melon and honeysuckle aromas and flavors. Silky finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Alma Rosa 2007 Pinot Blanc Santa Rita Hills ($18). Refreshing and crisp, with apple, lemon and stone character that stays bright through the fresh, fruity finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Alma Rosa 2007 Chardonnay Santa Barbara County ($20). A lot of complexity and finesse for twenty bucks, with juicy apple, smooth melon, a shot of citrus, spice and just a hint of creamy vanilla lending richness from the background. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Alma Rosa 2006 Chardonnay Santa Rita Hills El Jabali Vineyard($33). Loads of bright acidity support ripe pear and apricot fruit, with citrusy liveliness that stays fresh through the long, rich finish, picking up subtle layers of mineral, vanilla and toast along the way. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Alma Rosa 2006 Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills ($36). Delicate and pretty, with red berry and plum fruit laced with smoke, toast and anise that gain, however subtly, in complexity through the long finish. So versatile with food. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Alma Rosa 2006 Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills La Encantada Vineyard ($49). Deep plum and black raspberry aromas and flavors are layered with smoke, baking spices and black tea notes that mingle on the smooth, generous finish. Nicely integrated tannins provide structure. Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Learn more about Alma Rosa and its wines at www.almarosawinery.com.