Sanford Estate Chardonnay 1996
Chardonnay
-
Spectator
Wine
Product Details
Varietal
Producer
Vintage
1996
Size
750ML
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
As always, this wine comes 100% from the Sanford & Benedict vineyard, and it shows a minerality peculiar to that site (though a certain hewn-from-stone sense of cut and structure is doubtless at least partially attributable to the zero percent malolactic aspect of the "Estate" program). Nevertheless, the wine has a size and "presense" that should appeal to many.
Professional Ratings
- Wine Spectator
Other Vintages
1997-
Spectator
Wine
In Santa Barbara wine country, it all started with Sanford Winery. Recognizing a magical combination of climate and soil conditions, the Sanford & Benedict vineyard was plated in 1971, and the resulting wines are now the benchmark of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Pinot Noir has thrived in the Sta. Rita Hills ever since, and ranks among the best and most distinctive in the world. Sanford's estate vineyards - Rancho La Rinconada and Sanford & Benedict - lie within the 100 square mile AVA, and they rely exclusively on these vineyards for their luscious, signature Pinot Noir. The area owes its magic to an unusual east-west mountain valley that runs from the vineyards to the Pacific Ocean; ideal for cool-climate varietals.
WWH34112D2_1996 Item# 49