Vineyard: El Jabali

OwnersRichard Sanford, Thekla Sanford
AppellationSta. Rita Hills
Story (Ha-bo-lee). Planted in 1983 at the site of the original Sanford Winery. Farmed organically.
VarietiesChardonnay, Pinot Noir

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2014 Alma Rosa El Jabali Vineyard Mt. Eden Clone Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., pH 3.62, TA 0.56, 1,324 6 bottle packs, $55, screwcap. Harvest Brix 24.1ยบ. 10% whole cluster, 3-day cold soak, aged 16 in 20% new French oak barrels and 2 months in tank. · Light cherry red color in the glass. Aromas of cherry, pungent herbs and mulch draw you in to the glass. Noticeable attack and finish and more savory character in this wine. Flavors of black cherry, blueberry, herbs, spice and dried rose. Still showing vigorous tannins even the next day when tasted from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. A gutty and gruff but complex wine that will reward cellaring to ameliorate the tannins. Score: 89-90. Reviewed January 16, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Alma Rosa El Jabali Vineyard Mt. Eden Clone, Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 236 cases, $49, screw cap. · Perfumed and floral with spiced raisins dominating. Light in the mouth with rich and juicy raspberry fruit finishing with a flourish of tannin. The most pinotosity and elegance of the three single clone bottlings. Tasted the next day from an opened and re-corked bottle, the wine was more approachable indicating patience is required. Hands off for 2-3 years. Reviewed February 12, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Alma Rosa El Jabali Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir Vin Gris

13.8% alc., $20, screw cap. · The wine has a pretty orange-coral color that matches the color of the capsule. On the nose, tropical fruits, pineapple and butter give way in the glass to strawberries, persimmons, orange peel, marzipan and a hint of oak. Flavors echo the aromas with admirable richness and viscosity. Very food friendly due to the lively acidity which provides a bright and refreshing finish. Reviewed February 12, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »