2020 Sanford & Benedict Chardonnay

Appellation

Sta. Rita Hills

Varietal

Chardonnay

Wine Spectator

Wine Enthusiast

Jeb Dunnuck

Vinous

Vineyard Sources

100% Sanford & Benedict Vineyard (Block T4) located in the Sta. Rita Hills appellation

Barrel Aging

100% barrel fermented and aged for 8 months in 36% new French oak

Cooperage

Mercurey, Sirugue

Technical Data

Composition

100% Chardonnay

Alcohol %

13.5

Acidity

0.640 g/100mL

3.31

Harvest Brix

23.3

Harvest Date

10/6/20

Production

258 cases

Description

Our single vineyard and small lot releases enable us to deliver some of our finest expressions of Chardonnay by concentrating on specific vineyards, clonal selections or techniques. We have been fortunate enough to secure several tons of Chardonnay from one of the most historically significant vineyards in all of California, the iconic Sanford & Benedict.

Originally planted in 1971, this mature vineyard yields a wine that is beautifully structured with plenty of fresh acidity and verve. The palate offers lovely citrus and tropical fruit flavors backed by enticing minerality and a hint of toast.

Wine Critic Reviews

"...another gorgeous wine in this range. It offers up lemon confit, mint, tangerine oil, chamomile and a touch of French oak, showing that distinctive creaminess and mid-palate pliancy that are such signatures of S&B. The 2020 is terrific, and one of the highlights in the range." ~ Antonio Galloni's Vinous "Damp wood, seared lemon peel and hints of lanolin show on the nose of this bottling. Dried apple, melon-rind and citrus flavors pop on the palate, which also picks up intriguing hints of earth and herb." ~ Wine Enthusiast "...rock-solid, with ripe, slightly tropical notes of peach, pineapple, white flowers, and brioche, as well as a kiss of chalky minerality. It's balanced, medium-bodied, has good purity, and outstanding length." ~ Jeb Dunnuck "Aromatic and fresh, with rich salted butter accents to the lemon curd, ripe melon and lemon verbena notes. Reveals orange blossom hints that linger on the finish. Drink now." ~ Wine Spectator