Sanford Winery Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2008

Brilliant red color. Bursting with bright red fruits like raspberry and bing cherry, with hints of pepper and dried flowers on the nose. The palate delivers silky berry flavors framed nicely by bright acidity and supple tannins.

100% Pinot Noir. Richard Sanford blazed a trail in Santa Barbara County more than 25 years ago (in 1970), planting some of the first Pinot Noir in the Sta. Rita Hills appellation. This winery has produced a string of award-winning estate-bottled wines ever since and still does today under the the Terlato family. Originally called Sanford & Benedict Vineyard, the winery was a partnership between Richard Sanford and Michael Benedict, who were both instrumental in obtaining recognition of Sta. Rita Hills as an AVA appellation. Richard and his wife, Thekla, went on to start the Sanford Winery in 1981 and later reacquired Sanford & Benedict. In 2002, the Sanfords entered into a marketing partnership with Terlato, who bought out the Sanfords completely in 2006. Leaving Sanford Winery, Richard and his wife founded Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards. Today, Sanford Winery still maintains low yields to nurture the lush fruit, all while retaining the intensity and integrity of the Sta. Rita Hills fruit. The 2008 Pinot Noir demonstrates what makes Sanford wines sought the world over. It has the breeding, complexity, and style found in all great wines of the world.