southfloridalifestyleguide.com
Sanford Winery is located within the Santa Rita Hills American Viticultural Area [AVA] in Santa Barbara County California. Santa Rita Hills AVA is an ideal location for the classic Burgundian varietals; Pinot Noir and Chardonnay flourish here due to its combination of climate and soil conditions much like those in Burgundy France. Sanford Winery is the pioneering California producer that helped establish the Santa Rita Hills of Santa Barbara County. In 1971 Sanford planted the area’s first Pinot Noir in its Sanford & Benedict vineyard. The Sanford & Benedict parcel is the area’s oldest Pinot Noir vineyard.
Since 2006 Steve Fennell, Winemaker has brought
his combined approach of vineyard and winemaking
expertise to Sanford Winery. “For me, it’s about
treating the soil with respect, achieving consistent
and high-quality grapes and crafting elegant, fruit-
forward wines that are the finest expression of the
Santa Rita Hills.” Fennell has taken his global wine-
making experience, knowledge and a hint of his own
personality and has crafted some fine wines inspired
by his Burgundian muse. Sanford Winery Pinot Noir
2010 - Not too California and not too Burgundy; just
right with a balance of bright red fruits, cherry, orange rind,
white pepper and sage on the nose. And to taste, silky
berries are balanced with bright acidity and ripe tannins
for a very poised wine.
California Wine Gems
by christine najac
California Gems