Winemaker Notes
The vines fro the Sanford & Benedict Chardonnay were planted on their own roots in 1971, 10 miles from the ocean on a north-facing bench of clay loam, above the Santa Ynez River in the heart of the Sta. Rita Hills.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2022 Chardonnay Sanford & Benedict comes from the original own-rooted vines planted in 1971, and the wine was matured for 10 months in used French oak. The nose features tones of yellow peach, honey and spice, and as it opens, it reveals pretty citrus blossom perfume. The medium-bodied palate is concentrated yet understated in terms of ripeness. It has an expansive, silky texture, energetic acidity and a long, flinty finish.
One of the most popular and versatile white wine grapes, Chardonnay offers a wide range of flavors and styles depending on where it is grown and how it is made. While it tends to flourish in most environments, Chardonnay from its Burgundian homeland produces some of the most remarkable and longest lived examples. California produces both oaky, buttery styles and leaner, European-inspired wines. Somm Secret—The Burgundian subregion of Chablis, while typically using older oak barrels, produces a bright style similar to the unoaked style. Anyone who doesn't like oaky Chardonnay would likely enjoy Chablis.
A superior source of California Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills is the coolest, westernmost sub-region of the larger Santa Ynez Valley appellation within Santa Barbara County. This relatively new AVA is unquestionably one to keep an eye on.
The climate of Sta. Rita Hills is a natural match for Chardonnay and Pinot noir, thanks to the crisp ocean breezes and well-drained, limestone-rich calcareous soil. Here, grapes ripen just enough, while retaining brisk acidity and harmonious balance.