Pinot Noir 2016 Sanford & Benedict Sta. Rita Hills
Our history with Sanford & Benedict Vineyard goes back to 1985 – 30 years ago! It has always been our most special source, and we believe it is one of the best sites for Pinot Noir in all of California. Last year we hosted a 40th anniversary party for the vineyard, and we looked back at 30 vintages from the vineyard. The wines showed wonderfully, many of them were spectacular, cementing our opinion of the specialness of this vineyard. This is just our second effort with this newer planting from 2008. Two sections planted high on the hill on very rocky soils laden with the Monterey shale from the mountains above. Again, a very small crop here was harvested on Aug. 18 and 28th. We picked We played the usually tight rope walk of trying to get full extraction without imparting excessive harshness in the final wine. He 667 early to get structure, acidity, and liveliness, then looked for more ripeness and roundness with the second pick of 777. We played the usually tight rope walk of trying to get full extraction without imparting excessive harshness in the final wine. We punched down a lot early, and then get very gentle later on in the ferment. Aged on its lees in 75% new French oak barrels, and left undisturbed for 18 months, this was bottled in April 2017. Dark and brooding, showing hints of black fruit, mushrooms, and spice. This one is early in its maturity cycle, to open it now is like opening up the hope chest. Our hopes and expectations are that this will show well early, and continue to develop over many years.
