Lutum

Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Pinot Noir

9.191 ratings

9.19 pro ratings

Sta. Rita Hills, Central Coast, California, USA

Pinot Noir

Turkey, Game, Exotic Spices, Soft Cheese, Duck, Goose, Salads & Greens, Potato, Quinoa, Farro, Brown Rice, White Rice, Pasta, Herbs, Nuts & Seeds, Mushrooms, Chicken, Meaty & Oily Fish, Shellfish, Crab & Lobster, Stew, Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Salami & Prosciutto, Salmon, Quinoa, Shellfish

Top Notes For

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

I’ve been meaning to try this producer for some time now. I’ve heard & read good things about their work. So when I saw this on “Last Bottle” for $35, I picked a few up. It didn’t disappoint.

The one thing about the Santa Rita Hills region that I struggle with is a number of their Pinot Noirs, for me, are over extracted. That is not the case here.

The fruits were generally mid red. Some blackberries, strawberries, dark cherries, cherries, nice hues of blueberries, pomegranate & cranberries. Gentle wood use, softly layered baking spices, excellent acidity & nicely polished even finish.

Drinks well now but, will hold my other two bottles 2-3 years for further integration & even something a little better.

Photos of; their winery facility, Winemaker- Gavin Chanin and one of their Santa Rita Vineyards.

I’ve been meaning to try this producer for some time now. I’ve heard & read good things about their work. So when I saw this on “Last Bottle” for $35, I picked a few up. It didn’t disappoint.

The one thing about the Santa Rita Hills region that I struggle with is a number of their Pinot Noirs, for me, are over extracted. That is not the case here.

The fruits were generally mid red. Some blackberries, strawberries, dark cherries, cherries, nice hues of blueberries, pomegranate & cranberries. Gentle wood use, softly layered baking spices, excellent acidity & nicely polished even finish.

Drinks well now but, will hold my other two bottles 2-3 years for further integration & even something a little better.

Photos of; their winery facility, Winemaker- Gavin Chanin and one of their Santa Rita Vineyards.

May 3rd, 2020

Warren Grossman

9.2

Fruit is more subtle, mid palate it tends toward the minerality side. Quite good

Fruit is more subtle, mid palate it tends toward the minerality side. Quite good

1 person found it helpfulAug 23rd, 2019

9.2

Cherry nose and flavor. Elegant yet fruit-forward Pinot. I prefer Burgundy but this is a nice wine.

Cherry nose and flavor. Elegant yet fruit-forward Pinot. I prefer Burgundy but this is a nice wine.

1 person found it helpfulMar 3rd, 2019

Nose- fresh red cherry and tart cranberry. Palate- vibrant red fruit, dried herbs and savory spice. Nice acid, long finish. Good balance of elegance and power.

Nose- fresh red cherry and tart cranberry. Palate- vibrant red fruit, dried herbs and savory spice. Nice acid, long finish. Good balance of elegance and power.

1 person found it helpfulFeb 5th, 2015

9.2

Dark, spicy, and handsome.

Dark, spicy, and handsome.

Nov 7th, 2015

9.0

Sharks fin, abalone, steamed fish, shrimp, and fried rice

Sharks fin, abalone, steamed fish, shrimp, and fried rice

Nov 23rd, 2021

9.0

Nice weeknight bottle. Excellent QPR.

Nice weeknight bottle. Excellent QPR.

Sep 30th, 2021

Senator Tommelier

9.1

Solid Pinot from California’s Santa Rita Hills. Gushes with cherry with a hint of allspice. We enjoyed this one although prefer a bit more heft and acid. 13.5%

Solid Pinot from California’s Santa Rita Hills. Gushes with cherry with a hint of allspice. We enjoyed this one although prefer a bit more heft and acid. 13.5%

Sep 19th, 2021

Blair Campomizzi

9.0

New world style, lots of cherry, red currant and some raspberry.

New world style, lots of cherry, red currant and some raspberry.

Jan 25th, 2021

9.1

Sometimes simple is best. Mild fruit. Cherry tart. Baking spice. Good QPR. Always consistent.

Sometimes simple is best. Mild fruit. Cherry tart. Baking spice. Good QPR. Always consistent.

Jan 19th, 2021