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2020 Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Pinot Noir
Santa Rita Hills Appellation
Winemaker Tasting Notes
"Deep red hue. Aromas of jasmine, boysenberry, and blackberry jam are followed by notes of pomegranate, rhubarb, and cherry. This fusion of floral, dark, and red fruits sails into the palate and are matched with juicy tannins and a youthful texture. This Pinot Noir ends with richness and with great pleasure. Enjoy now through 2032."
~Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
~Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
Price: $74.00
Santa Rita Hills AVA
Sanford & Benedict Vineyard’s Testarossa first vintage from this outstanding vineyard was in 2004 when it was still under the guidance of famed Richard Sanford, pioneer of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation. In 2007 the Terlato family took ownership of the vineyard, making it one of several of their grape-growing properties. This beautiful vineyard sits at just about 400 feet in elevation with a northern exposure, just southeast of Lompoc. The soil consists of well-drained gravelly loam mixed with clay and fragmented chert. The area is situated near an unusual valley perpendicular to the coast that allows funneled winds between the mountains and the sea that is ideal for growing cool-climate varietals such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Growers: Terlato Family
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Rita Hills AVA
Elevation/Exposure: 395 feet; North
Viticulture Practice: Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing (CCSW)
Vinification: Destemmed, fermented in Stainless steel
Cooperage & Ageing: 17 months in 100% French Oak, 56% new
Production: 27 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir (33% Clone 667, 44% Clone 943, 23% Clone AS-1)
Acidity: 3.38 pH, 6.56TA (g/L)
Alcohol: 14.3%
Harvest: September 19, 2020
Club Release: April 2022
Drink Now through 2032
Sanford & Benedict Vineyard’s Testarossa first vintage from this outstanding vineyard was in 2004 when it was still under the guidance of famed Richard Sanford, pioneer of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation. In 2007 the Terlato family took ownership of the vineyard, making it one of several of their grape-growing properties. This beautiful vineyard sits at just about 400 feet in elevation with a northern exposure, just southeast of Lompoc. The soil consists of well-drained gravelly loam mixed with clay and fragmented chert. The area is situated near an unusual valley perpendicular to the coast that allows funneled winds between the mountains and the sea that is ideal for growing cool-climate varietals such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
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Production Data
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Rita Hills AVA
Elevation/Exposure: 395 feet; North
Soil: Santa Lucia shaly clay loam and Botella clay loam with fragmented chert
Vineyard Age: 49 years, some replantings 12 years
Viticulture Practice: Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing (CCSW)
Vinification: Destemmed, fermented in Stainless steel
Cooperage & Ageing: 17 months in 100% French Oak, 56% new
Production: 27 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir (33% Clone 667, 44% Clone 943, 23% Clone AS-1)
Acidity: 3.38 pH, 6.56TA (g/L)
Alcohol: 14.3%
Harvest: September 19, 2020
Club Release: April 2022
Drink Now through 2032
93 points, Allen Meadows
"A wonderfully spicy nose is comprised by exceptionally pretty red and blue pinot fruit that is laced with subtle floral nuances, and in particular, violet and rose petal. The succulent, round, generously proportioned and highly seductive middleweight flavors aren’t quite as precise but do offer outstanding persistence on the dusty, moderately and youthfully austere finale. This is also very impressive."
92 points, Wine Spectator
"Leads with effusive black cherry and blackberry fruit, with light incense and anise in the background. The finish is framed by a lightly singed vanilla accent, with the fruit playing out easily. Drink now through 2026. 648 cases made."
92 points & Cellar Selection, Wine Enthusiast
"Aroma of cherry syrup, incense, oak spice and loamy soil make for a complete nose on this bottling from a historic property. There is compelling tension to the sip, where bright and juicy red fruits are spiced by cinnamon, with oak emerging on the grippy finish. Drink now–2035."
92 points, James Suckling
"Aromas of sliced strawberries, violets and crushed herbs. Medium-bodied with soft tannins. Fresh and juicy on the palate. Hints of hibiscus and rosemary, too. Nicely balanced and long. Refreshing finish. Drink now."
92 points, Anthony Dias Blue
"Fresh, smooth and deep, with notes of earth, spice and cherry fruit, complex and likable; from the first Pinot Noir vineyard planted in Southern California."
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