Rich and beautifully focused from top to bottom. Deep, and vibrant red fruits and baking spices aromas inform the palate which is supple, serious, and wonderfully fresh. Although charming now, it will continue to improve over several years.\n The Sanford Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir is always a blend from both of our estate vineyards: the historic Sanford & Benedict Vineyard (44%) and La Rinconada (56%). These singular vineyards are in the heart of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation. A wide range of Pinot Noir selections are planted on these sites, and this wine is a blend of 8 of these from several different soil types.Pale ruby, the 2020 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills is scented of tar, cranberries, bergamot and garrigue with earthy touches. The medium-bodied palate is dusty in texture and very refreshing, featuring crunchy red fruits streaked with spices. This is easy to drink! Best After 2022.\n Producer Information\n 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 rosé 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.
