2022 Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Pinot Noir
Santa Rita Hills AVA
Tasting Notes
“Deep red hue. Scents of boysenberry, sage, cherry jam and cranberry flow out generously and are met with subtle notes of vanilla bean, raspberry, and orange sorbet. Once in the mouth, all of these notes concentrate into a lush, and dense profile. As this wine heads to the finish, it unravels with intricacies and persistence. Enjoy now through 2033.”
~Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
April 2024
“Review coming August 2024.” Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast, August 2024
“Spicy and lively, this well-concentrated wine goes deep in cherry skin, red peppercorns, cranberries and cinnamon on a full body. Deep color, mouth-filling texture, definite oak spices and moderate tannins for an appetizing bite. Lingering finish, too. Sustainable. Drink or hold.” JamesSuckling.com, May 2024
Production Data
Growers: Terlato Family
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Sta. Rita Hills AVA
Elevation/Exposure: 395 feet; North
Soil: Santa Lucia shaly clay loam and Botella clay loam, with proportion of fragmented chert
Vineyard Age: 51 years, some replantings 14 years
Viticulture Practice: Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing (CCSW)
Vinification: Destemmed, fermented in Stainless steel
Cooperage & Ageing: 15 months in French oak, 57% new
Production: 22 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir (Clone 828, Clone 667, Clone 943)
Acidity: 3.41 pH, 6.35 TA (g/L)
Alcohol: 14.3%
Harvest: September 23, 2022, hand harvested
Club Release: May 2024
Release Price: $79
Drink Now through 2033
Past Vintage Wine Scores
The Sanford & Benedict Vineyard
Sanford & Benedict Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills appellation is now back at Testarossa! Our first vintage from this outstanding vineyard was in 2004 when it was still under the guidance of famed Richard Sanford, pioneer of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation. In 2007 the Terlato family took ownership of the vineyard, making it one of several of their grape-growing properties including La Rinconada Vineyard just next door. Testarossa currently receives 6 of 16 acres of Pinot Noir and 4 of 28 acres of Chardonnay produced from Sanford & Benedict Vineyard. This beautiful vineyard sits at just about 400 feet in elevation with a northern exposure, just southeast of Lompoc. The soil consists of well-drained gravelly loam mixed with clay and fragmented chert.
The area is situated near an unusual valley perpendicular to the coast that allows funneled winds between the mountains and the sea that is ideal for growing cool-climate varietals such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.