2021 Sanford & Benedict Pinot Noir

Appellation

Sta. Rita Hills

Varietal

Pinot Noir

Wine Spectator

Wine Enthusiast

Jeb Dunnuck

Vinous

Vineyard Sources

100% Sanford & Benedict Vineyard (Blocks T6, 9C, 9A & T) located in the Sta. Rita Hills appellation

Barrel Aging

Aged 15 months in 100% French oak, of which 21% were new

Cooperage

Mercurey, Gillet, Francois Freres

Technical Data

Composition

100% Pinot Noir (Clones: 667, 2A, 943)

Alcohol %

14.1

Acidity

0.630 g/100mL

3.31

Harvest Brix

21.6-25.3

Harvest Date

9/15-10/4/21

Production

477 cases

Description

Sanford & Benedict is really the vineyard that started it all in Santa Barbara County. Starting with the 2015 vintage we were fortunate to secure several tons of Pinot Noir grapes from one of the most historically significant vineyards in all of California.

Originally planted in 1971, this mature vineyard yields a wine that is beautifully structured while also retaining the finesse and elegance we love in Pinot Noir.

Wine Critic Reviews

"Round and clean aromas of black cherry, cola, root beer and baking spice entice the nose on this bottling. The tannic management is impressive on the palate, where a stiff yet suave structure frames the raspberry, strawberry, cinnamon and star-anise flavors." ~ Wine Enthusiast "This site always seems to yield a very pure, classic Pinot Noir expression and that’s certainly the case with the 2021 Pinot Noir Sanford & Benedict Vineyard, a pretty, perfumed effort with lots of framboise and wild strawberry-like fruit as well as subtle spice and loamy earth. It’s possibly not the most complex Pinot Noir in the vintage, but I love its seamless, balanced, medium-bodied profile, and it has fine tannins and integrated acidity." ~ Jeb Dunnuck "...a very pretty, delicate wine. Sweet red cherry, red plum, mint, lavender and spice all grace this exquisite, soft Pinot. Time in the glass brings out notable inner sweetness and perfume. This 2021 is a charmer. Best of all, it will drink well right out of the gate. The delicate side of S&B comes through in spades." ~ Antonio Galloni's Vinous "Solid, with a forthright core of crushed cherry and lightly mulled raspberry fruit laced with balsam wood, savory and red tea details. Shows good energy through the finish. Drink now through 2028." ~ Wine Spectator