2022 Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Pinot Noir
2022 Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Pinot Noir
This Pinot Noir displays both intensity and sophistication.
Description
In typical Sanford & Benedict fashion, this Pinot Noir displays both intensity and sophistication, featuring a deep ruby hue and bright, expressive aromatics. The nose offers rich aromas of red currants, baking spices and freshly ground coffee. The silky mouthfeel gives way to vibrant flavors of pomegranates and red plums with hints of cherry cola and white pepper. The bright acidity and velvety tannins are beautifully intertwined to create an exceptionally balanced wine that will cellar gracefully for years to come.
Vineyard Notes
This vineyard is the cradle 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
The 2022 harvest was tracking to be a little later than usual due to cool summer weather, but Labor Day weekend brought a significant heat bump which accelerated the pace. Berry size was smaller than average, which resulted in smaller yields across the appellation this year. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay were picked quickly in the first two weeks of September. Then the weather cooled a bit and ripening slowed, with Syrah staying on the vine well into October. Grapes at Sanford & Benedict were harvested on September 8th.
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 18 months in French oak barrels with 27% new oak. This Pinot Noir was bottled unfined and unfiltered on April 16th, 2024.
| Vintage |
2022 |
| Wine Style |
Red Wine |
| Varietal |
100% Pinot Noir |
| Appellation |
Sta. Rita Hills |
| Harvest Date |
September 8th, 2022 |
| Acid |
5.7 g/l |
| PH |
3.63 |
| Bottling Date |
April 16th, 2024 |
| Alcohol % |
14.2 |
| Size |
750 ml |
