Santa Barbara, California--overlooked?!

[pergamum]

Hey Gang! I'm back. The life of a student is tumultuous at best!
Just tried a wine this weekend that I must comment on--Meridian Pinot Noir '97. I paid $7.00 per glass at a restaurant (which is ludicrous for what is, at the very most, a $20 bottle of wine); nevertheless, I was extremely impressed. Smooth, subtle, and complex; that hint of plumbs in the nose was exquisite! Goes great with a nice salmon.
My question: Why the hell is Santa Barbara rarely mentioned in the annals of the wine drinking world? Or perhaps I'm not reading enough!?