Sanford 2015 Pinot Noir, Sanford & Benedict Vyd., Santa Rita Hills

In Santa Barbara wine country, it all started with Sanford. In 1971, Sanford Winery and Vineyards discovered an overlooked grape-growing treasure in the Santa Rita Hills. Recognizing a magical combination of climate and soil conditions much like those in France's famed Burgundy province, Sanford planted the area's first Pinot Noir in its Sanford & Benedict vineyard. The pioneering winery's Pinot Noir ranks among the best and most distinctive in the world. Crafted in small lots, Sanford wines have a consistent style: full-bodied fruit flavors, balanced by mouth-watering acidity.

This 2015 is a prime example, aged 14 months in French oak barrels 50% new. Wine Enthusiast Magazine scored this 93 points saying "Deep and rich aromas of berry paste, turned earth and damp wood show on the nose of this bottling from the region's most historic vineyard. Bright red-raspberry flavors decorate an otherwise very earthy palate of dried herbs, potpourri, crushed stone and mossy forest floor."

The Wine Spectator scored this 92 points saying "Concentrated raspberry, red plum and wild cherry flavors lengthen out nicely, with a minerally freshness. The contoured finish is vibrantly spicy."