2011 Chardonnay Sanford & Benedict
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Tasting notes
Pale greenish gold. Slight leesiness on the nose. Racy and fine. Very racy indeed . Muscular. Actually almost austere but there is lots of concentration on the palate. Not yet ready! (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
From vines planted in 1971 and located just across the street from Rita’s Crown, yet harvested a full three weeks later, the 2011 Chardonnay Sanford & Benedict is an awesome Chardonnay. Crushed rock, citrus blossom, hints of lime and toasted hazelnuts all come soaring from the glass and this long, elegant beauty has fantastic detail and verve on the palate. While I would in no way call it plush, it has building richness and is a joy to drink. Drink now-2018. These racy, energetic efforts are made by Sashi Moorman from their home base in Lompoc. Taking lightness to the extreme in some cases, these are nevertheless riveting wines. Tel. (805) 686-3086; www.sandhiwines.com
The 2011 Chardonnay Sanford & Benedict comes across as clenched and compact. It will be interesting to see if further bottle age allows the 2011 to blossom. Today it remains intensely vibrant. There is plenty to admire in the wine's precision and length, though. Citrus and floral notes inform the saline, mineral-drenched finish.