2018 Sanford & Benedict "1971" Pinot Noir

Our highest scoring Pinot ever!

Appellation

Sta. Rita Hills

Varietal

Pinot Noir

Wine Enthusiast

Jeb Dunnuck

Vinous

Vineyard Sources

100% Sanford & Benedict Vineyard (Block T-14) located in the Sta. Rita Hills appellation

Barrel Aging

Aged 17 months in 100% French oak, of which 40% is new

Cooperage

Bel Air

Technical Data

Composition

100% Pinot Noir

Alcohol %

14.2

Acidity

0.585 g/100mL

3.43

Harvest Brix

23.8

Harvest Date

9/27/18

Production

120 cases

Description

Our single vineyard and small lot releases enable us to deliver some of our finest expressions of Pinot Noir by concentrating on specific vineyards, clonal selections or techniques. In vintage 2015 we began to work with Pinot Noir from one of the most historically significant vineyard in all of California, the iconic Sanford & Benedict.

Our "1971" bottling is made from grapes sourced exclusively from the original block of Pinot Noir planted in that year. These old vines have small yields that deliver exquisite flavor and complexity, graceful texture, and balance. It is an honor to have access to these grapes; we hope you love this wine as much as we do.

Wine Critic Reviews

"...endowed with tremendous aromatic presence and a sense of translucence I can only describe as hypnotic. Hard candy, rose petal, sweet red berry fruit are some of the many notes that develop in this hauntingly beautiful, elusive Pinot Noir...incredibly delicious now." ~ Antonio Galloni's Vinous "Similar notes of ripe cherries, sappy herbs, and flowers emerge...Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it's beautifully textured, has bright yet integrated acidity, terrific mid-palate depth, and a great finish. It offers a touch more fruit and density over the classic Sanford & Benedict releases." ~ Jeb Dunnuck "Dark-cranberry and candied hibiscus aromas meet with this historic vineyard's hints of earth and game on the nose of this bottling. Leathery tannins frame the sip, where red-spice, raspberry, dried lemon and singed sagebrush flavors converge." ~ Wine Enthusiast