Chanin

Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Chardonnay

9.245 ratings
9.311 pro ratings
Sta. Rita Hills, Central Coast, California, USA
Chardonnay
Duck, Shellfish, Goose, Mushrooms, Manchego & Parmesan, Game, Pork, Squash & Root Vegetables, Chicken, Turkey, Cheddar & Gruyere, Meaty & Oily Fish, White Fish, Shellfish, Crab & Lobster, Cream Sauces
Top Notes For
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9.5

The 2020 Chardonnay Sanford & Benedict Vineyard emerges from the original parcel of own-rooted vines planted in 1971. Crushed rocks, sage, mint, citrus and white flowers lend nuance to a bright, airy Chardonnay that is all understatement. The 2020 is not an obvious wine, but for readers who enjoy subtlety and nuance, this is very hard to beat. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, August 2022)

The 2020 Chardonnay Sanford & Benedict Vineyard emerges from the original parcel of own-rooted vines planted in 1971. Crushed rocks, sage, mint, citrus and white flowers lend nuance to a bright, airy Chardonnay that is all understatement. The 2020 is not an obvious wine, but for readers who enjoy subtlety and nuance, this is very hard to beat. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, August 2022)

Aug 26th, 2022
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9.4

The 2019 Chardonnay Sanford & Benedict emerges from Block T15, one of the original parcels planted in 1971. It is a bright, focused jewel of a wine. Crushed rocks, mint, white pepper and lemon peel all race out of the glass. The 2019 is a bundle of energy. Give it a few years to come together. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, October 2021)

The 2019 Chardonnay Sanford & Benedict emerges from Block T15, one of the original parcels planted in 1971. It is a bright, focused jewel of a wine. Crushed rocks, mint, white pepper and lemon peel all race out of the glass. The 2019 is a bundle of energy. Give it a few years to come together. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, October 2021)

Oct 28th, 2021
Ryan Brazell

Rise Over Run

9.4

A really beautiful example of the depth and complexity that old vines and a long ripening cycle can impart.

A really beautiful example of the depth and complexity that old vines and a long ripening cycle can impart.

Apr 11th, 2017
Amy Morgan

A wonderfully balanced wine highlighting ripe fruits, oak and acidity. Concentrated, complex and great length on the finish.

A wonderfully balanced wine highlighting ripe fruits, oak and acidity. Concentrated, complex and great length on the finish.

Dec 31st, 2014
Andrew Lampasone

Owner Wine Watch Selections

9.2

Only 7 barrels

Only 7 barrels

May 8th, 2014
Andrew Cullimore

Light lemon yellow . Quite discreet on the nose , takes a bit of time to get going . Yellow fruits, pineapple , passion fruit , lemon rind, slightly smoky note. On the palate good balance , more of those yellow fruits , but a mineral undertone also . Good acidity , though the palate is quite generous , it is well balanced . Length is ok with nice mineral complexity just a touch of warmth from the alcohol. This appears to be drinking well though appears to have quite a lot left in the tank , will last and maybe even improve over the next 4-7 years.

Light lemon yellow . Quite discreet on the nose , takes a bit of time to get going . Yellow fruits, pineapple , passion fruit , lemon rind, slightly smoky note. On the palate good balance , more of those yellow fruits , but a mineral undertone also . Good acidity , though the palate is quite generous , it is well balanced . Length is ok with nice mineral complexity just a touch of warmth from the alcohol. This appears to be drinking well though appears to have quite a lot left in the tank , will last and maybe even improve over the next 4-7 years.

Oct 15th, 2022
Martinez

Chardonnay from some of the oldest vines in the Sanford & Benedict vineyard, one of the most historic vineyards in California. Pure, fresh nose with lemon peel, coconut, vanilla and subtle oaky notes. Medium-bodied, round, creamy texture. Citrus, yeasty notes and minerals. Very fresh. Zesty acidity

Chardonnay from some of the oldest vines in the Sanford & Benedict vineyard, one of the most historic vineyards in California. Pure, fresh nose with lemon peel, coconut, vanilla and subtle oaky notes. Medium-bodied, round, creamy texture. Citrus, yeasty notes and minerals. Very fresh. Zesty acidity

Jan 12th, 2022
Lenny Castiglione

Wow amazing flavors and acidity. I swear it tastes like a premier CRU white burg. Love it and can’t get enough of it. Great white showers and peach.

Wow amazing flavors and acidity. I swear it tastes like a premier CRU white burg. Love it and can’t get enough of it. Great white showers and peach.

Mar 22nd, 2021
Kate Fitzmaurice

Nice acidity and well balanced

Nice acidity and well balanced

Apr 16th, 2020
Delectable Wine

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Historic vines make extra special juice. This is made from some of the oldest Chardonnay vines in Santa Barbara.

Historic vines make extra special juice. This is made from some of the oldest Chardonnay vines in Santa Barbara.

May 13th, 2015