Chardonnay (2018)

About this wine

The 2018 Sanford Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay presents enticing aromas of grilled peach, Meyer lemon, and toasted hazelnuts. On the palate, bright fruit flavors and honeycomb are balanced by crisp acidity and a rich texture, leading to a long, clean finish. This wine is crafted from grapes grown in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, known for its cool climate and unique east-west oriented valleys that allow for optimal ripening conditions. The region's rocky soils contribute to the wine's minerality and complexity. This Chardonnay showcases the distinctive characteristics of its terroir, offering a harmonious blend of fruit, acidity, and texture.

About the grape

Chardonnay, originally from France's Burgundy region, has become a global favorite due to its adaptability to various climates and soils. In California's Sta. Rita Hills, the grape thrives in the cool, maritime-influenced climate, which helps maintain its natural acidity. Sanford Winery, a pioneer in this region, planted the first vines in 1971 at the Sanford & Benedict Vineyard, now home to some of the oldest Chardonnay vines in Santa Barbara County. These mature vines produce low yields of grapes with concentrated flavors, contributing to the distinctive character of wines like the 2018 Sanford Chardonnay.

Quick facts

• 🍋 The 2018 Sanford Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay offers enticing aromas of brioche, Meyer lemon, and white flowers, complemented by beeswax and passion fruit.
• 🪵 This Chardonnay is barrel fermented and aged for 11 months in 16% new French oak, contributing to its soft notes of baker's yeast, poached pears, and perfumed white peaches.
• ⛰️ The Sta. Rita Hills AVA, where this wine originates, is renowned for its cool climate and rocky soils, ideal for cultivating high-quality Chardonnay grapes.
• 🏅 Sanford Winery, established in 1971, was a pioneer in planting vineyards in the Sta. Rita Hills, setting the benchmark for the region's wine production.
• 🏆 The 2018 vintage received a 93-point rating from Wine Enthusiast, highlighting its crisp and chalky nose with aromas of grapefruit peel, white-fleshed fruits, and a light touch of wood.

Palate profile

Producer

Sanford Winery, established in 1971 by Richard Sanford and Michael Benedict, is renowned for planting the first vineyards in Santa Barbara County's Sta. Rita Hills, notably the Sanford & Benedict Vineyard, which introduced Pinot Noir to the region. The winery's architecture, completed in 2001, features adobe bricks hand-cast on-site, providing natural insulation and reducing energy needs. In 2005, the Terlato family became majority owners, reuniting the estate by acquiring the Sanford & Benedict Vineyard in 2007. Committed to sustainability, Sanford employs practices like gravity flow systems and natural pest control to maintain vineyard health.