Sanford Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Pinot Noir Sta Rita Hills 2017
It all began in 1971.
The Sanford & Benedict Vineyard was the first vineyard planted in what eventually became the world-class, cool climate AVA of the Sta. Rita Hills.
This iconic vineyard now contains the oldest Pinot Noir vines in Santa Barbara County, and the fruit that calls this heavenly plot of dirt home is consistently some of the finest fruit in all of California.
The wine happens to be exquisite as well. Year after year, vintage after vintage, there is something unmistakably special about the wines that come from this vineyard, and we are so very lucky to have grabbed some for your enjoyment.
And the 2017 Sanford Sanford & Benedict is ripe for the taking.
That is, if you act quickly enough.
Bright ruby in the glass, spiced cherries, dried lavender, savory herbs, salinity, dusty minerals and a touch of licorice erupt into your subconscious, only to be followed by a medley of red fruits, hints of cinnamon, divine acidity and supple tannins that lead into a sensual and provocative finish. The wine sees a little bit of oak to caress it into loving submission, highlighting the nuance of the vineyard in all its California glory.
What really makes this wine amazing is the texture. The fruit is coaxed and coddled, and the end result is an absolute wonderland for the senses. It hits all the right places, and continues to keep pushing buttons until you’re completely overwhelmed in the best of ways.
California Pinot is a thing of glorious beauty when done right. Throw in one of the state’s Grand Cru holy grail sites and you’ve got magic in the bottle.
You believe in magic, don’t you?
"The 2017 Pinot Noir Sanford & Benedict Vineyard, aged 15 months in 30% new French oak, has a medium ruby-purple color and lovely aromas of blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and wafts of floral perfume with a spicy touch of aniseed. The medium-bodied palate is silky with expansive, perfumed fruits and seamless freshness, finishing long and layered. 2,172 cases produced." - Erin Brooks
"The 2017 Pinot Noir Sanford & Benedict Estate has similar marine-like salinity as well as complex tea, leafy herbs, flowers, and assorted red and black fruit aromas and flavors. It's elegant and medium-bodied, with seamless texture and terrific balance."
Crisp aromas of black-cherry sorbet, slate and wet earth show on the nose of this appellation blend. There’s a great mineral streak on the palate, where concrete and crushed stone flavors frame the cranberry core.