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

“The Sanford & Benedict Pinot Noir is always one of our favorites, and the 2022 vintage doesn’t disappoint. Of the three Sta Rita Hills vineyards that Testarossa sources from, Sanford & Benedict is the furthest east. It has young vines (14 years old) and is planted to Dijon Clones 828, 667, and 943. The wine is red fruited with notes of red and black berries, rose petals, and cassis. Soft and pliant in the mouth, it shows an overall sense of refinement and a very long, focused finish with well-knit tannins. Matured 15 months in 57% new French oak. pH 3.41, 14.3% alc.” Don Winkler, International Wine Review, June 2024

“Dense and juicy fruit aromas are layered in herb, rock and intoxicating spices on the nose of this single-vineyard expression. There’s concentration to the palate even though the flavors of cherry, strawberry and mace stay delicate.” Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast, August 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

“Testarossa’s most refined single vineyard Pinot Noir from Santa Barbara County’s most famous, historic vineyard. A fragrant red berry/cherry nose is followed by a silky palate of dense dark red cherry. Beautifully balanced with deep fruit intensity and firm acidity and super persistent finish. Very well-made wine. Matured 11 months in 50% new French oak.”

Don Winkler
International Wine Review
February 2023

“Dark boysenberry, cassis and violet make for an intense and pure fruit expression on the nose of this bottling. Leathery tannins encase the palate, where refreshing acidity cuts through lush, extracted blackberry sauce flavors. Quite ripe, but well packaged.”

Matt Kettmann
Wine Enthusiast
December 2023

“A wonderfully spicy nose is comprised by exceptionally pretty red and blue pinot fruit that is laced with subtle floral nuances, and in particular, violet and rose petal. The succulent, round, generously proportioned and highly seductive middleweight flavors aren’t quite as precise but do offer outstanding persistence on the dusty, moderately and youthfully austere finale. This is also very impressive.”

Allen Meadows
Burghound
October 2022

“Leads with effusive black cherry and blackberry fruit, with light incense and anise in the background. The finish is framed by a lightly singed vanilla accent, with the fruit playing out easily. Drink now through 2026. 648 cases made.”

James Molesworth
Wine Spectator
July 2022

Cellar Selection
“Aroma of cherry syrup, incense, oak spice and loamy soil make for a complete nose on this bottling from a historic property. There is compelling tension to the sip, where bright and juicy red fruits are spiced by cinnamon, with oak emerging on the grippy finish. Drink now–2035.”

Matt Kettmann
Wine Enthusiast

“Deep ruby color. lush and deep with cherry, raspberry, rhubarb and spice, a delicious blend of characteristics, superb and memorable.”

Anthony Dias Blue
February 2021

“Exotic, pure perfume of violets and roses interwoven with raspberry and cherry that carries over to a lithe, finely honed and intensely concentrated palate with fine grained tannins that lend just enough spine. Finishes with a vibrant, long aftertaste.”

Don Winkler
International Wine Review
December 2021

“Baked red cherries, pomegranate juice and anise aromas show on the nose of this single-vineyard bottling. The palate is loaded with barrel spices of nutmeg, amaro and light peat moss, with thick cherry juice at the core.”

Matt Kettmann
Wine Enthusiast
December 2021

“Lovely raspberry nose; silky texture, juicy and crisp, fresh, structured and long; a stunning, elegant wine.”

Anthony Dias Blue
March 2020

“The 2018 Pinot Noir Sanford & Benedict Vineyard offers a bright, juicy, youthful style as well as lots of raspberry and cranberry fruits, notes of violets and bouquet garni, a kiss of background oak, nicely integrated acidity, and a great finish.” 93+ points.

Jeb Dunnuck
August 2020

“Brilliant red. Ripe raspberry, cherry-vanilla and floral scents show good depth as well as vivacity thanks to a spicy topnote. Energetic red fruit flavors display very good depth and take on hints of candied rose and exotic spices with air. Finishes with sharp focus and strong cling, leaving red fruit preserve and floral notes behind.”

Josh Raynolds
Antonio Galloni Vinous
November 2019

“Elegant and silky, juicy and pure; from the first superstar Pinot vineyard in California; smooth and restrained, Burgundian and long with superb finesse and balance.”

Anthony Dias Blue
August 2018

“Deep, vivid red. Displays vibrant, spice-accented red berry, cola and floral pastille aromas that show very good clarity and a suggestion of smoky minerality. Sweet, pliant and concentrated, offers ripe raspberry and cherry flavors that are enlivened by a kick of juicy acidity. Rich but energetic, delivering strong, fruity lift on a long, sappy and gently tannic finish”

Josh Raynolds
Antonio Galloni’s Vinous
November 2017

“Sanford & Beneduct Vineyard is one of California’s finest historic vineyards. The Pinot Noir grapes from the vineyard are very pretty with aromas of dark red cherry perfume. This wine is soft and elegant on the palate, beautifully balanced, silky smooth with persistent bright acidity on the finish.”

International Wine Review

“This Pinot Noir from the historic Sanford & Benedict Vineyard is elegant and refined with a pure and flavorful palate of red berry fruit and a hint of earth. It has a silky texture, excellent balance, and a long finish. Well done.”

International Wine Review

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.

Past Vintages

Wine Production Data

Tasting Notes

“Very dark red hue. Beautiful scents of boysenberries, anise, and blackberry jam are followed by softer notes of roses, custard, ripe cherry, and cola notes. These qualities persist on the palate and are framed by dimensional tannins, silky texture, and modest acidity. Into the finish, it continues its lusciousness, richness, and sublime qualities. Enjoy now through 2032.”

~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
July 2023

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:50 years, some replantings 13 years
Viticulture Practice: 
Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing (CCSW)
Vinification: Destemmed, fermented in Stainless steel
Cooperage & Ageing: 11 months in French oak, 54% new
Production:  22 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir (45% Archery Summit Clone, 36% 667 Clone, 4% 943 Clone)
Acidity: 3.25 pH, 7.92 TA (g/L)
Alcohol: 14.3%
Harvest:  October 2, 2021, hand harvested
Club Release: August 2023

Drink Now through 2032

Tasting Notes

“Deep red hue. Aromas of jasmine, boysenberry, and blackberry jam are followed by notes of pomegranate, rhubarb, and cherry. This fusion of floral, dark, and red fruits sails into the palate and are matched with juicy tannins and a youthful texture. This Pinot Noir ends with richness and with great pleasure. Enjoy now through 2032.”

~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
March 2022

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: 12 years
Viticulture Practice: 
Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing (CCSW)
Vinification: Destemmed, fermented in Stainless steel
Cooperage & Ageing: 17 months in 100% French Oak, 56% new
Production:  27 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Clone: 33% Clone 667, 44% Clone 943, 23% Clone AS-1
Acidity: 3.38 pH, 6.56 TA (g/L)
Alcohol: 14.3%
Harvest:  September 19, 2020, hand harvested
Club Release: April 2022

Drink Now through 2032

Tasting Notes

“Very dark red color. Generous aromas of boysenberry, vanilla, plum, blackberry, and ripe cherry. With another scent, there are notes of roasted strawberry, oak spice, jasmine, and rose petal. Upon taste, the flavors concentrate towards blackberry and cherry. The texture has fine grain tannins, vibrant acidity, and juicy richness. This wine ends with nice minerality and playful tension. Enjoy now through 2031.”

~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
January 2021

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: 48 years, some replantings 11 years
Viticulture Practice: 
Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing (CCSW)
Vinification: Destemmed, fermented in Stainless steel
Cooperage & Ageing: 15 months in 100% French Oak, 54% new
Production:  24 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity: 3.35 pH, 6.79 TA (g/L)
Alcohol: 14.3%
Harvest:  September 30, 2019
Club Release: April 2021

Tasting Notes

“Rich red color. Inviting scents of orange blossom, jasmine, dried cherry, and blueberry lead this opulent Pinot Noir. With time in glass, notes of pomegranate, raspberry, and cherry pie intensify the experience. Once on the palate, elements of cherry, red fruits, citrus, vanilla, and crème brulee crescendo with complex textures and lingering dimension. Enjoy now through 2026.”

~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking

Production Data

Growers: Terlato Family
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Sta. Rita Hills AVA
Barrel Aging:  15 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak, 57% new
Production:  23 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity: 6.57 TA (g/L) – 3.28 pH
Alcohol: 14.5%
Harvest:  September 30, 2018
Club Release: April 2020

Drink Now through 2026

Tasting Notes

“Deep red color. This expressive Pinot Noir exhibits notes of cloves, cranberry, anise, boysenberry, and jasmine. With some aeration, notes of lemon zest, pomegranate, and bing cherry flow outward. These same qualities segue on the palate along with a touch of oak spice. The texture has incredible purity, polish, and vibrancy rarely seen in Pinot Noir. And the ending is equally enjoyable with a lengthy, pleasing, and perfect finish. Enjoy now through 2028.”

~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking

Production Data

Growers: Terlato Family
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Sta. Rita Hills AVA
Barrel Aging:  18 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak, 58% new
Production:  26 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity: 7.05 g/L – 3.24 pH
Alcohol: 14.4%
Harvest:  September 7-20, 2017
Club Release: June 2019

Drink Now through 2028

Tasting Notes

“Dark red hue. Wonderful, fruity scents of boysenberry, cherry, cranberry, and blackberry which are followed by notes of sage, jasmine, anise, and cassis. Upon taste, the flavors match the excitement in the aroma profile. The juicy tannins and supple acidity give pleasure and vibrancy to this enjoyable effort. This wine ends with intense fruit and minerals, reflecting where this Pinot Noir hails from. Enjoy now through 2025.”

~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking

Production Data

Growers: Terlato Family
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Sta. Rita Hills AVA
Barrel Aging: 18 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak, 41% new
Production: 30 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity: 6.23 g/L – 3.39 pH
Alcohol: 14.4%
Harvest: August 31, 2016
Club Release: August 15, 2018

Drink Now through 2025

Tasting Notes

“Medium red hue. Engaging aromas of marmalade jam, cherry, pomegranate, anise, cloves, which then are followed by nutmeg, vanilla bean, blackberry, jasmine and cranberry. Upon taste, these flavors stay consistent while intensifying the fruit profile and developing creaminess. The texture of this wine is bright and sophisticated while also showing polished tannins and many dimensions. This multi-clonal blend lends itself to an intricate, long and pleasing finish. Enjoy now through 2027.”

~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking

Production Data

Growers: Terlato Family
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Sta. Rita Hills AVA
Barrel Aging:   10.5 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak,  50% new
Production:   9 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity:   6.53 g/L –  3.42 pH
Alcohol:  14.2%
Harvest: August 21, 2015
Club Release:

Drink Now through 2027

Tasting Notes

“Dark red color.  The nose shows a very complex and distinctive profile of spice, red fruits, black fruits, and citrus.  At the start, anise, black pepper, ripe cherry, currant and cola comprise of the first wave of sensory attributes.  Then flow in the blackberry, cloves, lemon, and vanilla bean.  The wine continues to unravel additional characters with aeration.  Upon taste, the spice and citrus notes fade while the fruity notes leap to front and center.  A creamy flavor comes over the palate which adds to the juicy and dense tannins.  The vibrant acidity adds to an intricate and pleasing finale to this hedonistic Pinot Noir.  Enjoy now through 2024.”

~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking

Production Data

Growers: Terlato Family
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Sta. Rita Hills AVA
Barrel Aging:   10.5 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak,  57% new
Production:   14 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity:   5.76 g/L –  3.58 pH
Alcohol:  14.5%
Harvest: September 24, 2014
Club Release:

Drink Now through 2024

Tasting Notes

“Deep red color. Aromas of papaya, marmalade, blackberry, bing cherry and vanilla bean assemble in this distinct Pinot Noir. The sleek palate of this wine highlights the abundant quartz in the soil while amplifying flavors of marmalade jelly, bing cherry, and blackberry. While there are some fine-grained tannins resulting from rocky soils, the future is quite bright for this youthful and generous offering from a stellar vineyard. Enjoy now through 2022.”

~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking

Production Data

Growers: Terlato Family
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Sta. Rita Hills AVA
Barrel Aging:   9 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak,  58% new
Production:   11 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity:   3.61 pH
Alcohol:  14.1%
Harvest: September 23, 2013
Club Release:

Drink Now through 2022

Tasting Notes

“Dark red color. Scents of clove, anise, cherry, black pepper, and creme brulee distinguish the aroma profile of this lush, intense Pinot Noir. The flavor profi le shows notes of minerality, cherry, cranberry, and black pepper. The fruit and spice pairing of this wine makes for an intriguing wine, especially with the rich, lingering finish. Drink now through 2016.”

~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking

Tasting Notes

“Medium red color. This Sanford & Benedict Pinot is all about spice! Black pepper, mint, and vanilla bean comprise of the initial aromas. Some notes of custard pair nicely with the vanilla bean. The texture of this wine is crisp and an even balance of cherry and black pepper. This wine shows incredible balance and a supple finish. While this isn’t the biggest Pinot we made this year, it makes up for with it’s richness. Drink now through 2013.”

~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking

WEATHER HOLD ADVISORY: Please note that due to the fragile nature of wine and the impending winter/summer season, we are unable to ship wines to states whose temperatures have dropped below 32  / risen above 90 degrees on average. Orders will be kept in our temperature controlled cellar until more moderate temperatures are reached. If you feel your area might be impacted, please contact us at clubt@testarossa.com to inquire about shipping options.

Stay in contact and receive the latest news about Testarossa Winery