Description

"The 2021 Chardonnay Sanford & Benedict Historic Vineyards Collection is fragrant and alluring, with tones of matchstick giving way to perfumed quince, beeswax and cashew. The palate is bursting with perfumed fruit, its expansive layers streaked with flint and honey. It has a vibrant acidity, a silky texture and a long, layered finish."
95+ Points. Erin brooks, robertparker.com (December, 2023)

The first "great" vineyard in Santa Barbara County was planted by Richard Sanford and Michael Benedict in 1971, first with Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling, then later with Pinot Noir vines from Karl Wente. The Burgundian varieties had found a home in Santa Barbara County. With a mantle of hard, siliceous chert-gravel covering deep, well-drained soils, it is a perfect medium for Pinot and Chardonnay. Sanford & Benedict is primarily planted with Pinot Noir (68 acres) and Chardonnay (52 acres).

The fruit is barrel fermented in François Frères barrels, 50% new, and aged for about 12 months prior to bottling.