2018 Sanford Founders’ Vines Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 61 cases, $N/A. The grapes for this special wine come from the original, own-rooted planting in 1971. A tribute to the pioneering fathers of this vineyard, Michael Benedict and Richard Sanford. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 28% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Seductive aromas of red berry, underbrush and tilled earth. Delicious and complex in a middleweight style, with an array of flavors including red cherry and raspberry, spice, dried herbs and cocoa. Very intriguing and notably refined with subtle tannins and the longest finish of all the 2018 Sanford Pinot Noirs. A connoisseur’s Pinot Noir that shows all the glory of old vine Pinot Noir. Score: 95. Reviewed September 19, 2021

Winery: Sanford Winery
From article: Elite California Pinot Noir Vineyards III: Central Coast - Sta. Rita Hills