- About This Wine
- Ratings & Reviews
- Tasting Notes
About This Wine
Ratings & Reviews
Tasting Notes
ABOUT THIS WINE
REVIEWS
WINEMAKER NOTES
The 2021 Sanford Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir is a masterclass in the artistry of balance and refinement. This vintage showcases the synergy of two storied vineyards—Sanford & Benedict and La Rinconada—nestled in the heart of Sta. Rita Hills, a region celebrated for its unique marine soils and temperate growing conditions. On the nose, an enchanting bouquet of exotic red fruits mingles with whispers of dried flowers, offering a prelude to the wine’s intricately layered palate.
This Pinot Noir exudes elegance, reminiscent of a ballerina’s poise, yet retains the power and finesse that define its varietal. Vibrant and precise, the wine’s flavors of ripe cherries and cranberries are lifted by bright acidity and grounded by delicate hints of earth and spice, a testament to its thoughtful aging in French oak barrels, 25% of which were new. The oak imparts subtle complexity, allowing the fruit’s purity to shine without overshadowing its innate charm.
Sta. Rita Hills, with its distinctive east-west valley orientation, provides an extended growing season, allowing the grapes to develop remarkable intensity and nuance. The 2021 Sanford Pinot Noir embodies this terroir-driven philosophy, combining old-world grace with new-world vibrancy. Its 13% alcohol content underscores its approachability, making it a versatile companion to both delicate dishes like roasted duck and heartier fare such as wild mushroom risotto.
Crafted with a meticulous attention to detail, this wine benefits from sustainable practices that honor the land from winter pruning to bottling. The final product is not merely a wine but an expression of place—a Sta. Rita Hills ambassador that will continue to reward patient cellaring over the coming years.
For the connoisseur who appreciates Pinot Noir’s capacity for elegance and depth, the Sanford 2021 Sta. Rita Hills delivers a sensory journey that bridges continents and styles. It’s a wine of rare precision and soulful resonance, destined to captivate the palate and elevate the table.
This Pinot Noir exudes elegance, reminiscent of a ballerina’s poise, yet retains the power and finesse that define its varietal. Vibrant and precise, the wine’s flavors of ripe cherries and cranberries are lifted by bright acidity and grounded by delicate hints of earth and spice, a testament to its thoughtful aging in French oak barrels, 25% of which were new. The oak imparts subtle complexity, allowing the fruit’s purity to shine without overshadowing its innate charm.
Sta. Rita Hills, with its distinctive east-west valley orientation, provides an extended growing season, allowing the grapes to develop remarkable intensity and nuance. The 2021 Sanford Pinot Noir embodies this terroir-driven philosophy, combining old-world grace with new-world vibrancy. Its 13% alcohol content underscores its approachability, making it a versatile companion to both delicate dishes like roasted duck and heartier fare such as wild mushroom risotto.
Crafted with a meticulous attention to detail, this wine benefits from sustainable practices that honor the land from winter pruning to bottling. The final product is not merely a wine but an expression of place—a Sta. Rita Hills ambassador that will continue to reward patient cellaring over the coming years.
For the connoisseur who appreciates Pinot Noir’s capacity for elegance and depth, the Sanford 2021 Sta. Rita Hills delivers a sensory journey that bridges continents and styles. It’s a wine of rare precision and soulful resonance, destined to captivate the palate and elevate the table.
93 POINTS - "Moving to the reds, the 2021 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills comes from Sanford & Benedict and La Rinconada vineyards. Its medium ruby hue is followed by a brilliant nose of spiced raspberries, flowers, underbrush, and peppery herbs." Jeb Dunnuck
93 POINTS - "Lively, with sleek, tangy pomegranate and blood orange notes that add a zippy fervor, while kirsch and linzer torte accents give this a fuller feel as it opens up. Reveals high-pitched floral notes through the mineral-tinged finish. A fresh, pure, brisk-edged style that should age nicely. Drink now through 2030." Wine Spectator
93 POINTS - "Lively, with sleek, tangy pomegranate and blood orange notes that add a zippy fervor, while kirsch and linzer torte accents give this a fuller feel as it opens up. Reveals high-pitched floral notes through the mineral-tinged finish. A fresh, pure, brisk-edged style that should age nicely. Drink now through 2030." Wine Spectator
The 2021 is a wine of elegance and precision. Exotic, vibrant red fruits and dried flower aromas inform the palate that is vivid and very attractive. This will pair better with light or heartier dishes and although charming now, it will continue to improve over several years. The wine was aged in French Oak barrels (25% new oak) for 11 months where it gained complexity and elegance.