2017 Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Pinot Noir
2017 Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Pinot Noir
Classic Pinot Noir from the birthplace of Sta. Rita Hills. Power and elegance with aromas of blueberry, brandied cherry and spice.
Description
Displaying both power and elegance, this Pinot Noir features a deep garnet hue and rich aromas of ripe blueberry, red plum and brandied cherry accented by subtle notes of baking spices and rose petals. The plush mouthfeel gives way to vibrant flavors of bing cherry, cranberry and blackberry cobbler with hints of dark chocolate and toasted marshmallow. The bright acidity and velvety tannins are beautifully integrated to create an exceptionally balanced wine that will cellar gracefully for years to come.
Vineyard Designation
Sanford & Benedict
Vineyard Notes
100% Sanford & Benedict Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills.
This vineyard is the birthplace of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation and played a significant role in bringing recognition to the great potential of the region. Planted by Richard Sanford and Michael Benedict in 1971, wines produced from this vineyard continue to set the highest quality standards. This Pinot Noir hails from vines planted in 2008 to the highly regarded clone 943. The soil type is the Botella Series, a composition of both clay and loam with a high calcareous content, which drains well and helps keep yields low.
Production Notes
Abundant winter rainfall in 2017 helped ease a five-year drought in California, replenishing soils and leaching out any accumulated salts. Mild spring weather averted any frost issues, and set the stage for excellent bloom and set. A heat spike in early September sent grape sugars soaring toward ripeness and vintners hastened the pace to keep up. Cool temperatures quickly returned, and remained cool for the rest of the harvest season. Yields ranged from average to up to 50% below average, resulting in excellent concentration and intensity in the fruit. Grapes from Sanford & Benedict Vineyard were harvested on September 4.
Winemaker Notes
Pinot Noir clusters for this wine were hand sorted before being de-stemmed and gravity fed to small open top fermenters. The must was immediately chilled for a pre-fermentation cold soak. During fermentation, concentration was enhanced by gently punching down the cap several times per day. The wine aged 16 months in French oak barrels with 36% new oak. This Pinot Noir was bottled unfiltered on March 15, 2019.
| Vintage |
2017 |
| Wine Style |
Red Wine |
| Varietal |
100% Pinot Noir |
| Appellation |
Sta. Rita Hills |
| Acid |
6.1 g/L |
| PH |
3.50 |
| Alcohol % |
14.4 |
| Size |
750 ml |
