Rich, balanced and elegant, this is California's version of a Grand Cru White Burgundy. Sanford & Benedict is home to some of California's oldest and most pedigreed Chardonnay vines. The fruit comes from the original vines planted in 1971 and craft beautifully mineral-driven and complex wines. The organic vines tap through the thin topsoil into the seam of limestone and the rustling wines are layered with deep fruit flavours and aromas with the site’s unmistakable saline acidity.
The 2020 Chardonnay Sanford & Benedict captures all the magic of this iconic Sta. Rita Hills site. Ample, creamy and inviting, the 2020 is beautifully textured from start to finish. Apricot, lemon confit, white flowers, mint and marzipan build as the 2020 opens with a bit of air. Arnot-Roberts pulls fruit from the old-vine section of S&B, which was planted in 1971 with own-rooted vines.
95 points, Vinous (January 2022)
