Current Release
2023 Pinot Noir, Sanford and Benedict 750ML
Historic Sanford & Benedict is the original Pinot Noir vineyard (est. 1971) in the Santa Ynez Valley (Sta. Rita Hills was not established until 2001). We purchase fruit here from two distinct blocks of older vines (1999) and oldest vines (1972), buying by the acre so we may employ specialized pruning and organic farming practices. These stately vines stand tall on their enormous trunks, while still producing a solid crop of beautifully concentrated grapes. The resulting wines display sappy red and black cherry fruits with old-vine style and grace.
The long cool 2023 vintage was just about perfect, with grapes being picked at the very end of September (Block T-6) and early to mid-October (T-14). The long season gave great phenolic development, while the low to moderate heat allowed retention of acidity. Final alcohol was 13.9%. The wine is almost a throwback to the earliest days of SRH, before the push for ripeness accelerated in the early 2000s. Matured 17 months in French oak barrels, 30% new, the wine is red fruited and spirited and will age well on its impeccable balance.
Extremely Limited. Only 300 cases produced.
Critical acclaim has been terrific, with the wine receiving 96 Points from Jeb Dunnuck and Jonathan Cristaldi. Dunnuck stated: “Ruby-hued and translucent, the 2023 Pinot Noir Sanford & Benedict Vineyard offers dried strawberries, sassafras, rose, and exotic white flower notes, and it's based on 100% Pinot Noir from original heritage clone vines and was completely destemmed. Medium-bodied, it has a pure, graceful mouthfeel, fabulous tannins, and a great finish. This brilliant effort is all about complexity and finesse. Drink bottles over the coming decade. Drink 2025-2035.”
Wine Profile
| Vintage | 2023 |
|---|---|
| Wine Style | Red Wine |
| Varietal | Pinot Noir |
| Size | 750 ml |