2023 Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Chardonnay
Santa Rita Hills AVA
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Tasting Notes
“Medium straw hue. Enticing aromas of honey, ripe fig, papaya, apricot, orange, guava, and coconut come together for a captivating experience. These vibrant characteristics carry through to the palate, enhanced by bright notes of lemon and pineapple. With a precise, lively texture and a finish that is both dense and persistent, the unique terroir of this site shines brilliantly. Enjoy now through 2033.”
~Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
February 2025
Production Data
Growers: Terlato Family
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa 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: 52 years
Viticulture Practice: Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing (CCSW)
Vinification: Pressed Whole-cluster, fermented in French Oak
Cooperage & Ageing: 14 months in French oak, 45% new
Production: 18 barrels
Composition: 100% Chardonnay (Wente Clone)
Acidity: 3.17 pH, 7.45 TA (g/L)
Alcohol: 14.1%
Harvest: November 1, 2023, hand harvested
Club Release: February 2025
Release Price: $59
Drink Now through TBA
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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.