2022 Sanford & Benedict Chardonnay

Appellation

Sta. Rita Hills

Varietal

Chardonnay

Wine Spectator

Vinous

Vineyard Sources

100% Sanford & Benedict Vineyard (Block T4) located in the Sta. Rita Hills appellation

Barrel Aging

100% barrel fermented and aged for 8 months in 33% new French oak

Cooperage

Mercurey, Sirugue

Technical Data

Composition

100% Chardonnay

Alcohol %

12.5

Acidity

0.660 g/100mL

3.26

Harvest Brix

21.0

Harvest Date

10/10/22

Production

299 cases

Description

Our single vineyard and small lot releases enable us to deliver some of our finest expressions of Chardonnay by concentrating on specific vineyards, clonal selections or techniques. We have been fortunate enough to secure several tons of Chardonnay from one of the most historically significant vineyards in all of California, the iconic Sanford & Benedict.

Originally planted in 1971, this mature vineyard yields a wine that is beautifully structured with plenty of fresh acidity and verve. The palate offers lovely citrus and tropical fruit flavors backed by enticing minerality and a hint of toast.

Wine Critic Reviews

"Grilled pineapple, peach and apricot pastry notes are vibrant, juicy, ripe and aromatic in this white, with pretty notes of toast, spices and buttery brioche that linger in the background. For all its intensity, this offers an equally intense thread of acidity to amplify the flavors, along with a wonderful sense of polish." ~ Wine Spectator "...opens with gorgeous aromatics. Like some of the other Chardonnays, the S&B feels a bit tight in this vintage, likely a result of very low sugars in a year in which excessive heat blocked ripening. Citrus, mineral and floral notes build into the salivating finish." ~ Antonio Galloni's Vinous