Sanford 2016 Sanford & Benedict Chardonnay

The Sanford & Benedict Vineyard is where it all began. In 1971 this was the first vineyard planted in what became a world class, cool climate appellation. This iconic vineyard now contains the oldest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines in Santa Barbara County. Between the history and the amazing quality of the fruit, many consider this site deserving of “Grand Cru” status. The 2016 vintage produced wines with rich texture and balanced acidity.

Alcohol: 13.5%

94 POINTS - "Very minerally, crisp, earthy, and long. As close to Burgundy as any California wine I’ve recently tasted. Creamy yet super lively, setting up a delicious “tension” of opposites." - Karen MacNeil

94 POINTS - “Fairly light and delicate aromas of lemon peel, lemongrass and the slightest hint of warm buttercream show on the nose of this bottling from the region's most historic vineyard. There is a great sizzle to the palate, with fresh flavors of white flower and lemon zest that lead to an amazingly long and smooth finish.” – Wine Enthusiast

93 POINTS - "The 2016 Chardonnay Sanford & Benedict comes all from the estate vineyard and spent 16 months in 31% new French oak. White peach, tart pineapple, white flowers, salty minerality, and hints of toasted bread all flow to a medium to full-bodied, pure, brilliantly balanced Chardonnay that has integrated acidity and outstanding length. It will be better in another year and keep for over a decade." - Jeb Dunnuck

92 POINTS - "The 2016 Chardonnay Sanford & Benedict Vineyard comes from the own rooted, original vines planted in 1971. It was barrel fermented and aged 16 months in 31% new French oak with some lees stirring. It's a bit shy on the nose, slowly fleshing out to ripe Golden Delicious apple and yellow pear with white peach, spring blossoms, crushed stone, meringue and lemon peel. Medium to full-bodied with toasty fruits in the mouth, fleshing out to savory and stone fruit character, it's framed by juicy acidity and finishes long and toasty." - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Light golden with a slight green hue, the 2016 Sanford & Benedict Chardonnay entices with aromas of white peach, lemon peel, white flowers and spearmint. The focused palate is bright and tense, with notes of lemon preserves and minerality. This is always our most “old world” Chardonnay. The fruit from this old, own rooted vineyard block was gently whole cluster pressed and fermented in French Oak, where it was allowed to gently age for 16 months with occasional lees stirring. Only 13 barrels were selected for this bottling.