Sanford Pinot Noir Sanford & Benedict Vineyard 2022

The grapes come exclusively from the Sanford & Benedict Vineyard in the cool-climate area of Sta. Rita Hills AVA. The unusual east-west orientation of the nearby Santa Ynez Mountains, allows the cooling maritime breezes from the Pacific Ocean- just seven miles away- to flow over the vineyards, bringing with them cooling morning fog. The afternoon breezes dry out any residual moisture reducing disease pressure. Temperatures rarely exceed 27°C, at which point Pinot Noir tends to temporarily shut down. The marine based soils in Sanford & Benedict Vineyards are mixture of clay, loam, fractured shale and chert (rocky) soils which force vine roots to dig deep for nutrients and hydration, resulting in naturally low yields and excellent small berried, concentrated fruit with minerality and acidity. One third of the vines are from the original 1972 ungrafted plantings. The Sanford & Benedict vineyard is planted with 11 different Pinot Noir clones. The vineyards are sustainably cultivated.

Whole cluster fermentation took place over 14 days in open-top stainless steel tanks, with wild and selected yeasts. The wine was then aged for 14 months in French oak, of which 40% was new, where it gained concentration, while allowing the fine tannins to soften.