The 2020 Chardonnay Sanford & Benedict Vineyard emerges from the original parcel of own-rooted vines planted in 1971. Crushed rocks, sage, mint, citrus and white flowers lend nuance to a bright, airy Chardonnay that is all understatement. The 2020 is not an obvious wine, but for readers who enjoy subtlety and nuance, this is very hard to beat. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, August 2022)
— 3 years ago
Dark blue fruit. Very pure with lovely savory fruit with a tangy sour cherry note. A bit Nuits Saint George-like. Still great life to this, with great balance. A treat — 7 years ago
Tasted in 2015: First pour a bit hot, even caustic, but after allowing it to breathe, second pour is much more balanced and reveals aromas of tar, ash, black pepper, violets, raspberries, and a hint of cherry cola. More breathing still showed brown sugar and herbal aromas. — 8 years ago
Ruby color with aromas of red fruits, forest floor and cedar spice. On the palate flavors of cherry and raspberry with cedar notes, black pepper, cinnamon spice and earthy herbs. Full-bodied, fine tannins, long finish ending with fruit, oak and a spicy earthy character. Good now! — 3 years ago
Five single-vineyard CA Pinots vs 5 Burgs: Gevrey-Chambertin, Vosne-Romanee + three 1er Crus Beaunes. All 2005s. Rob Jensen, owner, and Sue Ryan, lead wine educator at Testarossa joined our group for the tasting. My fave of the night! — 4 years ago
This wine may be on the decline. The fruit has gone decidedly raisiny. But the acidity still shines and the wine remains delicious. — 6 years ago
Both of us enjoyed. Not heavy but more body than typical PN — 7 years ago
Very winey rose. Great change from a regular rose! — 8 years ago
Tasted in December 2014: Notes of vanilla, caramel, and creme brulee overlay complex apple, peach, and pear aromas. Hints of calcareous minerals. — 8 years ago
Smooth, a hint of fruit and that great St. Rita Hills nose. Yum! — 8 years ago
At the mothership — 4 years ago
Lovely smooth taste! One of the best Pinot Noirs I have enjoyed ! — 6 years ago
A light and pleasant for cab drinkers — 7 years ago
Silkier, spicier than the Santa Barbara. — 7 years ago
Meyer lemon, brioche, and a beautifully balanced richness. — 8 years ago
White pepper, vanilla, and purple fruits made this vintage enjoyable with a pesto pasta dinner and retirement into the living room. Lite-medium body and almost a nutty finish. Really enjoying these wines from Sanford. — 8 years ago
K Brooks
Earthy with dark fruit. a good Thanksgiving wine with good company and good food ($40) — 2 years ago