Sanford Sanford & Benedict Pinot Noir
2014 was the first of our warm, dry years. An early season with near perfect conditions during flowering led to great fruit set. The vintage gave rich, full, approachable wines that will age well for years to come. The 2014 Sanford & Benedict Pinot Noir was exclusively sourced from our historic estate vineyard in the esteemed Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Planted in 1971, this iconic vineyard consistently produces distinctively superb Pinot Noir. The 2014 wine exudes earthy aromas of dried brush, earth and spicy red fruits. The bright, silky palate is balanced with acidity and ripe tannins. Aged in French Oak barrels for 13 months where it gained concentration and complexity, this wine will improve in the bottle for 5 to 10 years with proper cellaring. This savory, elegant and layered wine will pair beautifully with duck cassoulet or porcini mushroom risotto.
TASTING NOTES: The silky palate is framed nicely by balanced acidity and ripe tannins.
AROMA NOTES: Earthy aromas of dried brush, earth and spicy red fruits. In addition to the enticing fruit and earth, this Pinot exhibits lovely floral aromas.
APPELLATION: Sta. Rita Hills
VINEYARD: Sanford & Benedict
BRIX AT HARVEST: 23.0
PH: 3.5
AGING: 13 months in French Oak (40% new)
MALOLACTIC: 100%
TITRATABLE ACIDITY: 6.2 grams/L
ALCOHOL: 14.0%
BOTTLING DATE: November, 2015
95 Points: Karen MacNeil, WineSpeed.com
94 Points: "The 2014 Pinot Noir Sanford & Benedict Vineyard is more fresh and lively, with a sappy note in its tart cranberry, pomegranate, rose petal and forest floor aromas and flavors. This beauty shines on the palate where it’s medium-bodied, fresh, taunt and elegant, yet with considerable mid-palate depth and a great finish. It’s impressive!" - Jeb Dunnuck
92 Points: “A creamy and spicy style, with mocha notes to the rich and pure flavors of dried raspberry and red currant. The silky finish lingers with smoke and sandalwood details. Drink now through 2022.” – Kim Marcus, Wine Spectator
92 Points: “Earthy aromas of juniper and forest floor give depth to the rusty cherry, tart cranberry, dried hibiscus and pepperdust scents on the nose of this bottling from the historic vineyard. Soft in structure at first, it then delivers a firmer tannic edge in the midpalate, all the while delivering vivacious red fruit and pineforest flavors. It will age very well.” —Matt Kettman, Wine Enthusiast
91 Points: "The excellent 2014 Pinot Noir Sanford and Benedict Vineyard offers up aromas of earthy red and black fruits, spice and rose hip. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, complete and layered, with nice freshness and energy." - William Kelley, The Wine Advocate
