This wine is made from grapes specially selected from the oldest section of the Sanford & Benedict Vineyard located in the very cool Santa Rita Hills appellation. Au Bon Climat, quite rightly, consider this one of the truly great Pinot Noir vineyards of America.
The nose of this wine is still restrained at this stage, full of tight, dark hedgerow berry fruit. The wine feels almost brooding and certainly needs time to unfurl its inherently beautiful fruit character. The palate is so pure and mineral; it feels almost like sucking a piece of pure limestone. However, behind that, a strawberry sweetness lurks, ready to roll over the palate when it is time. The core has a deeper, more savoury aspect to it and a chalky grip keeps the tannins tight and focused on the long, involved finish. This needs time but will reward patience and will be stunning in its prime. Drink 2024-2036.
