2001 Steele Pinot Blanc, Santa Barbara, CA

[wondersofwine]

13% alcohol
light golden color, clear
tangy lemon nose

This wine was a real question mark to me. I had really liked it at a wine shop tasting with Jed Steele last summer. Wasn't so sure when I sampled it at home. Surprisingly thick mouthfeel. Sharp acidic bite on the palate. Was it treated with oak like a Chardonnay? It came across too much like a Chardonnay--sort of smoky/toasty. What should I say? The 2000 Steele Carneros Pinot Noir I had in a restaurant in Florida in October was much better than at the summer tasting in Raleigh. However, I liked the 2001 Pinot Blanc better at the tasting.
It was less balanced and pleasant at home than I remembered from the Raleigh tasting. Is there that much inconsistency from bottle to bottle? I still have some Bien Nacido Pinot Noir and Carneros Pinot Noir and Viognier to try at home.