- Practicing Organic
- 100% Chardonnay
- Sanford & Benedict Vineyard (Sta. Rita Hills AVA)
- North-facing site
- First planted in 1971
- Silex soils
- Indigenous yeast fermentation in 500L Puncheon
- Aged 10 months in puncheon, 6 months in stainless steel tank
- 332 cases produced
- 12.9% abv
Info
Producer:
Vintage:
2021
Country:
United States
Region:
California
Appellation:
Sta. Rita Hills
Variety:
Chardonnay
Color:
White
Farming Practice:
Sustainable
Sizes Available
| Full Bottle | US-SDH-31-21 | 12/750ml |
Press & Reviews
James Suckling
Score
95
Date
2023-05-09
Decanter
Score
94
Date
2024-08-07
"Each of Sandhi's Santa Rita Hill Chardonnays exhibits a thrilling verve and intensity. However, the Sanford & Benedict bottling, sourced from a vineyard planted in 1971 at a lower elevation than the Patterson, shows an openness of fruit and delightfully floral perfume that lend hedonism and immediacy. Bright-eyed and delightfully steely, it's a finely focused wine that's enjoyable now but likely to mature well."
John Gilman
Score
94
Date
2023-11-09
"The 2021 Sandhi 'Sanford & Benedict Chardonnay is once again a beautiful young wine, as it seems to be year in and year out. The bouquet is deep and nascently complex, wafting from the glass in a mix of fresh pineapple, apple, salty soil tones, orange blossoms, a hint of hazelnut and a gentle foundation of oak. On the palate the wine is full-bodied, deep and vibrant in personality, with a superb core of fruit, lovely soil undertow and grip, zesty acids and impeccable balance on the long, complex and classy finish. Fine, fine juice. 2023-2040."
Wine Advocate
Score
93
Date
2023-12-29
"The 2021 Chardonnay Sanford & Benedict is scented of white peach, roasted almonds, fresh bread and beeswax with savory undertones. The light-bodied palate is silky and bright with gregarious orchard fruit and a long, nuanced finish."
Wine Spectator
Score
93
Date
2023-07-31
Vinous
Score
92
Date
2023-09-01
REVIEWS FROM PAST VINTAGES
2022
James Suckling
Score
97
Date
2024-11-13
"A great, distinctive wine that balances chalky, minerally and nervy aspects with lush, ripe pears, toasted almonds and hints of marzipan. It's quite tight and steely in texture, holding those intricate flavors with a firm feel and a long finish. Drinkable now, but best from 2028."
2022
Wine Spectator
Score
93
Date
2023-05-03
"This has terrific intensity to the bright, citrusy notes of yuzu, preserved lemon and lime zest on a sleek, juicy mouthwatering frame. Shows an appealing savory note of saline, toasted herbs and wet stone, with aromatic details of makrut lime leaf and fresh ginger lingering on the finish. Drink now. —M.W."
2022
Vinous
Score
92
Date
2024-08-15
"The 2022 Chardonnay Sanford & Benedict is one of the more tightly wound, reticent wines in the range. It offers plenty of energy. Citrus peel, white pepper, mint and crushed rocks are all finely delineated. I admire the wine's energy, but at the same time, I feel picking a touch riper would allow more site character to show."