2015 Sandhi Chardonnay Sanford & Benedict
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Tasting notes
Derived from the own-rooted Wente selection 1971 plantings in this historic site, the 2015 Chardonnay Sanford & Benedict is beautiful, wafting from the glass with notes of yellow orchard fruit, praline and nutmeg. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, with amazing old-vine concentration and mid-palate amplitude, racy acids, almost chewy levels of extract and a long, mouthwatering finish.
Critic scores
Average Score
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Planted 1971. The first vineyard in Sta Rita Hills. Colluvial soil; river wash plus mountain run-off. North-facing exposition to preserve acid. Smoky and flinty with beautiful watermelon fruit and gunflint – so pure and elegant. Excellent smokiness on the palate with vivid acidity yet a smooth, rounded texture. Long, precise persistence. Has all the poise and intricacy of grand burgundy. Saline aftertaste. (RH)
The 2015 Chardonnay Sanford & Benedict is pliant, creamy and inviting, offering apricot, peach and floral notes. The S & B doesn't quite have the focus of some of the other wines in the range, but it makes up for that with its open-knit, racy personality. I would prefer to drink it sooner rather than later.