Testarossa Works Series
2018 Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Pinot Noir Clonals
Santa Rita Hills AVA
Clone 2A
Tasting Notes
“Deep red hue. Aromas of cherry, raspberry, pomegranate, and ripe cranberry leap out of the glass. Upon swirling, the wine emits pleasing secondary notes of cloves, anise, and cola. These profiles persist on the palate and are amplified by notes of blackberry. This Pinot Noir exhibits incredible structure and balance, along with modest acidity. This wine finishes well with intricacy and persistence. Enjoy now through 2027”
~Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
Production Data
Growers: Terlato Family
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Sta. Rita Hills AVA
Elevation/Exposure: 300 -400 ft.; East
Soil: Santa Lucia shaly clay loam and Botella clay loam with fragmented chert
Vineyard Age: 31 years
Viticulture Practice: Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing (CCSW)
Vinification: Destemmed, fermented in Stainless steel
Cooperage & Ageing: Aged 15 months in 100% Neutral French Oak
Production: 2 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Clone: 2A
Acidity: 3.26 pH; 6.41 TA (g/L)
Alcohol: 14.3%
Harvest: October 10, 2018
Club Release: September 2020
Release Price: $68
Drink Now through 2027
Clone 828
Tasting Notes
“Dark red hue. Brilliant scents of jasmine, pomegranate, boysenberry, blackberry, and ripe cranberry. Upon taste, flavors of remain consistent with the aroma profile and are matched by silky tannins. Vibrant acidity flows into the smooth, fresh finish on this lovely Pinot Noir. Enjoy now through 2026.”
~Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
Production Data
Growers: Terlato Family
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Sta. Rita Hills AVA
Elevation/Exposure: 300 – 400 ft.; East
Soil: Santa Lucia shaly clay loam and Botella clay loam with fragmented chert
Vineyard Age: 31 years
Viticulture Practice: Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing (CCSW)
Vinification: Destemmed, fermented in Stainless steel
Cooperage & Ageing: 15 months in 100% Neutral French Oak
Production: 2 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Clone: 828
Acidity: 3.10 pH; 7.61 TA (g/L)
Alcohol: 14.3%
Harvest: October 1, 2018
Club Release: September 2020
Release Price: $68
Drink Now through 2026
Clone 943
Tasting Notes
“Dark red hue. Engaging scents of roasted cherry, strawberry, cola, rhubarb, and ripe cherry make for a great first impression. Once on the palate, flavors of roasted red fruits persist. The texture is extremely dense and offers silky tannins. With modest acidity and a fresh taste, this long and lingering Pinot Noir will dazzle you for many years to come. Enjoy now through 2028”
~Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
Production Data
Growers: Terlato Family
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Sta. Rita Hills AVA
Elevation/Exposure: 300 – 400 ft.; East
Soil: Santa Lucia shaly clay loam and Botella clay loam with fragmented chert
Vineyard Age: 31 years
Viticulture Practice: Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing (CCSW)
Vinification: Destemmed, fermented in Stainless steel
Cooperage & Ageing: 15 months in 100% Neutral French Oak
Production: 2 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Clone: 943
Acidity: 3.22 pH; 6.45 TA (g/L)
Alcohol: 14.3%
Harvest: October 1, 2018
Club Release: September 2020
Release Price: $68
Drink Now through 2028
2018 Sanford & Benedict Clonal 3-Bottle Pack
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.