Sanford Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills 2019 750 ML

Gorgeous, bright aromas of fresh cherry, alpine strawberries, spice cake, white pepper, and roses. The very seductive aromas inform the palate which is supple, serious, and wonderfully fresh. The 2019 will pair better with heartier, more savory fare and although charming now, it will continue to improve over the next several years. The 2019 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills comes mainly from younger vines in the Sanford & Benedict (44%) and La Rinconada (56%) vineyards planted to a wide range of clonal selections. Pale ruby-purple, it’s scented of red and black berries, orange peel, forest floor and bitters. The palate is open and spicy, with a silky texture, refreshing acidity and a touch of classy baking spice from its 11 months in 25% new French oak. It’s a bright, pure style this vintage and excellent quality for an appellation bottling. Producer Information Sanford Winery is a Californian wine producer located in the Sta. Rita Hills region of Santa Barbara County. The estate is divided into two vineyard sites Sanford & Benedict and La Rinconada and is particularly known for its portfolio of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. The Sanford & Benedict vineyard was first planted to vine in 1971 by Michael Benedict and Richard Sanford, as they tried to create cool climate wines of equal standing to those being produced in Europe at the time. This vineyard is known for having some of the oldest plantings of Pinot Noir in Santa Barbara County. 21 hectares (51 acres) of these old vines are still in production today, producing low yields of grapes with concentrated flavor compounds. The vineyard sits on clay loam soils that are rich in calcium, perfect for the cultivation of both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, as well as a small quantity of Viognier. The neighboring La Rinconada vineyard was planted in 1997, and has a similar terroir, although Pinot Noir dominates here. Sanford’s core wine range is founded on its portfolio of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines, which includes several single-block and single-vineyard expressions, as well as a collection of sparkling and ros wines. The estate also produces wines based on Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Blanc, Marsanne and Roussanne from vineyards located across Santa Barbara County. The Terlato family, owners of several global wine brands became majority owners and managing partners in 2005.