Sanford & Benedict Chardonnay 2022

Sanford & Benedict Chardonnay comes from the renowned Sanford & Benedict vineyard, nestled in the cool Santa Rita Hills, in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara County, California. Planted on hillsides exposed to Pacific ocean breezes, the vines benefit from a cool and windy climate that promotes slow and complete ripening. The soils, a mix of shale, sandstone, and marine deposits, impart a natural tension and distinct mineral expression to the wine, emblematic of this historic coastal terroir.

The grapes for this Chardonnay are harvested at perfect ripeness, then gently whole-cluster pressed before light settling. Fermentation proceeds slowly in oak barrels, with a significant proportion of new oak, and complete malolactic fermentation to contribute roundness and complexity. Aging continues on fine lees in barrels, with periodic bâtonnage, to develop texture, aromatic richness, and length on the palate, while preserving the characteristic freshness of the Sanford & Benedict terroir.

This wine reveals notes of ripe stone fruit, fresh citrus, and delicate tropical fruit, complemented by floral touches, spicy nuances, and a vanilla and toasted oak character from barrel aging. On the palate, the texture is ample and silky, supported by a vibrant acidity that balances the richness, with a chalky texture and a long, mineral, and slightly saline finish that prolongs the flavors.

In the United States, 90% of the wine produced comes from California. It was the influx of gold prospectors to California that revitalized the Californian wine industry in the mid-19th century, particularly in the Sonoma and Napa regions. At the beginning of the 20th century, there were 800 wineries. From 1919 to 1933, Prohibition decimated the vast majority of the Californian wine industry, so that by 1933, only 140 wineries remained. It wasn't until 1960 that the wine industry began to recover from Prohibition, and California was primarily known for producing fortified wines (in the style of Port). It was also in the 1960s that some of the most famous wineries were established (Mondavi, Heitz Wine Cellars, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, etc.). In 1976, a landmark event took place: the legendary tasting competition better known as the "Judgment of Paris." It pitted the greatest French wines against the new American upstarts. On May 24th, an unexpected result shook the wine world, as, to everyone's surprise, the United States emerged victorious. This competition, however, remains relatively unknown to the general public. Today, there is no doubt that the United States produces great wines. While California largely dominates the reputation of American wines with its excellent Zinfandels, the state of Oregon produces some of the best Pinot Noir in the world, and Washington State offers excellent Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.