- Practicing Organic
- 100% Pinot Noir
- Sanford & Benedict Vineyard (Sta. Rita Hills AVA)
- 49-year-old, own-rooted vines
- North-facing exposition
- Rich clay and silex soils
- Indigenous yeast fermentation in open-top concrete vats
- Aged 9 months in neutral barrel and 4 months in tank
- 192 cases produced
- 13% abv
Info
Producer:
Vintage:
2023
Country:
United States
Region:
California
Appellation:
Santa Rita Hills
Variety:
Pinot Noir
Color:
Red
Farming Practice:
Sustainable
Sizes Available
| Full Bottle | US-SDH-41-23 | 12/750ml |
Press & Reviews
James Suckling
Score
95
Date
2024-11-13
"Wow, a distinctive wine from the pioneering vineyard of the Santa Rita Hills. White pepper aromas and beautiful red currant, violets and raspberry flavors lend an almost sweet touch to the fruit. It's charming, elegant and medium-bodied, showing more rose petals and perfume as it opens in the glass. Drink now or hold."
Wine Advocate
Score
90
Date
2025-11-06
"Opening with a classically red-fruited and citrus-driven profile, the 2023 Pinot Noir Sanford & Benedict takes a dilute turn on the palate, retaining the site's silky, understated nature yet lacking enough substance to deliver it with the confidence of previous vintages. The finish is similarly ephemeral, lingering with a gentle push of saturated berry flavors framed with a touch of salinity."
REVIEWS FROM PAST VINTAGES
2022
Vinous
Score
94
Date
2023-09-22
"The 2022 Pinot Noir Sanford & Benedict is bright, punchy and effusive right out of the gate. Red cherry fruit, blood orange, mint, sage and dried herbs all run through the 2022. There's terrific brightness, and a good bit of stem influence as well. This is super-classic Sandhi in a cool year."
2022
Wine Advocate
Score
93
Date
2024-10-10
"Fermented 100% whole cluster, the 2022 Pinot Noir Sanford & Benedict is pure and red-fruited on the nose, tying in savory additions of forest floor and citrus rind aromas with time. The palate is slender and vibrant, leading to a bright, cleansing finish driven by elegant saline power. This is a beautiful expression of a historic site in a challenging vintage."
2022
Wine Spectator
Score
93
Date
2024-04-24
"Juicy and mouthwatering up front, this white's core of lemon confit, pomelo and lime zest is accented by vibrant acidity. Offers notes of freshly grated ginger, white pepper and orange blossoms on a sleek, precise frame. A hint of oolong tea comes in on the long finish. Drink now. -M.W."
Vinous
Score
94
Date
2023-07-01
"The 2021 Pinot Noir Sanford & Benedict is bright, punchy and effusive right out of the gate. Red cherry fruit, blood orange, mint, sage and dried herbs all run through the 2021. There's terrific brightness, and a good bit of stem influence as well. This is super-classic Sandhi in a cool year."
Vinous
Score
93
Date
2022-06-01
Wine Advocate
Score
93
Date
2023-12-29
"The 2021 Pinot Noir Sanford & Benedict has soft scents of wild raspberry, strawberry, tobacco, autumn leaves, graphite, dried herbs and underbrush. The light-bodied palate is chalky and energetic with herbal, graphite-laced fruit and a long, shimmery finish. Ethereal and understated, I would be inclined to drink it over the next 3-5 years."