Winemaker Notes
A half century since its Chardonnay vines were planted, Sanford & Benedict is inimitable; it can be nothing but itself. Poised and mineral, this bottling shows hallmark aromatics in lime leaf, salted grapefruit, crushed seashell and peach blossom. The palate brings more flesh and fruit, leaning into apricot with bright, saline flavors and a gentle touch of well-integrated oak that’s more texture than taste. Effortlessly fresh, mineral as always, this wine underscores what first drew Raj to Sanford & Benedict 20 years ago.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Agile and vivid in character, with a saline quality to the crushed oyster shells that dust persimmon and lemon pith, all remaining sappy, savory and filigreed in the long finish.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2023 Chardonnay Sanford & Benedict beautifully encapsulates the regal, classy nature of the site, opening with a pure bouquet of green orchard fruits, citrus blossoms, tropical citrus and an elegantly rich backdrop. The palate is vibrant and deftly polished while subtly enriched by a creamy yet contained core. It concludes with a high-toned, mouthwatering finish that lingers with minty, herbal undertones, which rapidly expand and prove additional energy after a short time in the glass.
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Vinous
Distinct salinity and creamy orchard fruit tones introduce the 2023 Chardonnay Sanford & Benedict Vineyard. Generous and broad-shouldered, there's an attractive plushness to this wine that juxtaposes ripe fruit against chalky, sea-spray-infused energy. Attractively pure and transparent through and through.
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Wine Spectator
Fresh, fleshy notes of pineapple, pear and nectarine are generous and focused, with lemon blossom and dried ginger accents, plus touches of lemon verbena and white pepper on the long, generous and juicy 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.