Richard Sanford and Michael Benedict planted their vineyard in 1971, with a gung ho attitude, admittedly little viticultural experience, and to a whole host of varietals. There were no vineyards in the Sta. Rita Hills at the time, and the locals thought they were a little mad for doing so. Indeed, most of the varietals planted failed to deliver, but then there was the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
“Literal fruit salad experiments like Sanford & Benedict’s were de rigueur throughout California – no one really knew what they were doing, so why not throw everything at the wall to see what sticks –and yielded wines ranging from inspirational to inedible. But in a stroke of genius, sheer luck or some combination of the two, the great grapes of Burgundy, not yet in vogue in 1971, were also planted at Sanford & Benedict. Within five years the site would earn recognition for its fine Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Few vineyards here have held such consistent acclaim since.” Sandhi
Sampling the wines of the era, the Sanford & Benedict vineyard played a pivotal role in convincing Raj Parr to make the move to Santa Barbara.
Product title
Vendor
R 19.99 | R 24.99
Product title
Vendor
R 19.99 | R 24.99
Product title
Vendor
R 19.99 | R 24.99
Product title
Vendor
