Sanford 2015 La Rinconada Pinot

Each year, the La Rinconada Pinot Noir is selected from individual barrels of the best blocks from this estate vineyard in the esteemed Sta. Rita Hills AVA. The 2015 vintage is a blend of Dijon clones 777, 667, 114, 115 and Mt. Eden selection growing on the hillside east of our winery give great intensity and complexity. A warm, dry growing season delivered concentrated, well-structured wines with seamless integration.

Alcohol: 14%

92 POINTS - "The pale to medium ruby colored 2015 Pinot Noir La Rinconada Vineyard aged in 35% new French oak for 14 months. It opens on the nose to dust, loamy soil, oolong tea leaves, pipe tobacco, black berries and blackcurrants with notes of redcurrant, licorice and potpourri. Medium-bodied, it offers intense, earthy fruits with firm, grainy tannins and seamlessly knit freshness, finishing long. 1,302 cases produced." - The Wine Advocate

92 POINTS - "The 2015 Pinot Noir La Rinconada has a slightly more perfumed, elegant style. Red and black raspberries, flowers, rose petals, and spicy notes all flow to a medium-bodied, ethereally textured Pinot Noir that has nicely integrated acidity and moderate tannins. There's more mid-palate depth in the Sanford & Benedict release, yet this shines for its complex, lively style. Drink it over the coming decade." - Jeb Dunnuck

92 POINTS - "From a vineyard planted in 1997, this bottling offers aromas of tart pomegranate, wild rose, crushed carnations and wild sage on the nose. The palate is bright yet hearty and earthy, with flavors of herb, all spice, cranberry and pomegranate." - Wine Enthusiast

This 2015 bottling is deep red in color and is bursting with earthy cherry, black raspberry and anise aromas. The silky palate delivers flavors of juicy red fruits framed nicely by bright acidity and a lingering finish. The wine was allowed to age in French Oak barrels (35% new) for 14 months where it gained concentration and a luxurious velvety texture. While enjoyable now, this wine has the balance and concentration to age beautifully for the next 10 to 12 years.