Sanford 2014 La Rinconada Pinot

The 2014 La Rinconada Pinot Noir is selected from individual barrels of the best blocks from this estate vineyard in the esteemed Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Dijon clones 777, 667, 115 and Mt. Eden selection growing on the hillside east of our winery give great intensity and complexity. An warm, dry growing season delivered rich, approachable wines of impeccable balance. This 2014 bottling is deep red in color and is exploding with a combination of dusty cherry and Chinese 5-spice. The palate delivers flavors of juicy red fruits framed nicely by bright acidity. The palate is full and round and leads to a lingering finish suggestive of black raspberry and mocha. The wine was allowed to age in French Oak barrels (35% new) for 14 months where it gained concentration and a velvety texture. While enjoyable now, this wine has the balance and concentration to age gracefully for the next 10 to 12 years. This versatile wine will pair well with a variety of foods but notably with lamb, venison, oily fish and mushrooms.

Alcohol: 14.5%

92 POINTS - "Leading off the Pinot Noirs, the 2014 La Rinconada Vineyard is a classic, spice-laced, ripe, sexy Pinot Noir that has the structure and depth. Dried strawberries, blackberries, dried herbs and even a hint orange peel flow to a medium to full-bodied, impressively concentrated, textured 2014 that’s has tons to love. It has good acidity as well and I suspect will age gracefully." - Jeb Dunnuck

91 POINTS - "Ripe and rich, with bright cherry and blueberry flavors that are creamy and lush. Finishes with sandalwood and cedar hints. Drink now through 2020." - Wine Spectator

90 POINTS - "Pale ruby-purple colored, the 2014 Pinot Noir la Rinconada Vineyard offers up notions of cranberries and red cherries with hints of potpourri, rose hip tea and cinnamon stick plus a waft of fragrant earth. Medium-bodied and finely played on the palate, it gives a good amount of understated red berry and earthy flavors with a suggestion of chew and a pleasant stewed tea finish." - Wine Advocate

The palate delivers flavors of spicy red fruits framed nicely by bright acidity. Exploding with a combination of earthy cherry, sage and white pepper.