COLOUR
Red
TYPE
Still
VINTAGE
2023
GRAPE
Pinot Noir
PRODUCER
Au Bon Climat
REGION
California
CHARACTERISTICS
Body
Medium
Sweetness
Dry
Acidity
High
Finish
Long
Intensity
Pronounced
Tannins
AROMAS & FLAVOURS
ABOUT THIS WINE
Sanford & Benedict is a legendary site in American viticulture, planted in 1971 in what is now the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. It proved to a skeptical wine world that world-class, Burgundian-style Pinot Noir could thrive in Santa Barbara County. Late founder Jim Clendenen, the iconic 'Wild Boy' of California wine, began purchasing fruit from this vineyard in the mid-1980s, establishing a historic partnership. Today, the estate continues Jim's legacy of producing balanced, food-friendly wines with remarkable longevity under the guidance of his family and long-time winemaking team.
ALCOHOL
13.5%
AVG. PRICE
€65
STYLE
Classic
VEGAN
YES
SULPHITES
When to drink
Now or Later
Ideal temperature
14-16°C
INTERESTING FACTS
Fact 01
Sanford & Benedict is a pioneer vineyard planted in 1971, proving that world-class Pinot Noir could thrive in Santa Barbara County.
Fact 02
The wine is aged in 100% new French oak barrels, yet the old-vine fruit seamlessly integrates the wood without being overpowered.
Fact 03
Bottled completely unfined and unfiltered, making this historic California Pinot Noir 100% vegan-friendly.
FOOD PAIRING
Read more
WINE MAKING PROCESS
The grapes are hand-harvested in the cool early morning hours to preserve fresh fruit aromatics. In the cellar, approximately 50% of the fruit is fermented whole-cluster in open-top fermenters, utilizing daily manual punch-downs for gentle extraction. The wine is aged for 18 to 22 months in 100% new French oak barrels from the prestigious François Frères cooperage. To maintain its natural texture, structure, and complexity, the wine is bottled completely unfined and unfiltered.
