Racines - Sta Rita Hills - 'Sanford and Benedict Vineyard' Pinot Noir Red 2020

Grape

100% Pinot Noir

Tasting notes

The 2019 Racines Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Pinot Noir from Sta. Rita Hills is described as a powerful, brooding wine with a high percentage of stems, potentially adding savory intensity but also creating an austere expression. Tasting notes include ripe black cherry, vanilla bean, and baking spice on the nose, with a palate featuring black raspberry, cherry, and hints of coffee and dark chocolate. The wine is noted for its elegant, silky texture, long and vibrant finish, and balanced acidity and tannins. It also exhibits earthy, floral, and spicy notes, with a rusticity that is not often found in New World Pinot Noir. Some reviewers mention a slight austerity in its youth, suggesting it may evolve well with age.

More About The Winery

Racines is a collaboration between two classic houses from France, led by vignerons Étienne de Montille and Brian Sieve of Burgundy and Rodolphe Péters of Champagne (Champagne Pierre Peters). The team came together to join their individual experiences in hand-crafting wines of purity and transparency to create a range of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the cool climate of the Sta. Rita Hills in California.

The project is the first venture for Étienne and Rodolphe beyond France and represents the coming together of all that is wonderful about Burgundy, Champagne and California. Production methods are firmly rooted in the traditions of France with all native yeast fermentations, extended elevage, use of whole cluster for Pinot Noir and wines that have ample amounts of fresh acidity and the ability to age

These wines confirm something many have long suspected: that if you are looking to make terroir driven, elegant, balanced wines in the new world, then Sta. Rita Hills is the place.