Historic Sanford and Benedict is the original Pinot Noir vineyard (est. 1971) in the Santa Ynez Valley (Sta. Rita Hills was not established until 2001), and it has been the inspiration for winemakers for ever since. Originally planted to a selection of apparently secret "heritage" clones (subsequently expanded and replanted over the years), this magical site simply buzzes with cosmic energy. Dragonette purchases fruit here from two distinct blocks of older vines (1999) and oldest vines (1972), buying by the acre so they may employ specialized organic farming practices. These stately vines stand tall on their enormous trunks, while still producing a solid crop of beautifully concentrated grapes. The resulting wines display sappy red and black cherry fruits with old-vine style and grace.
ANTONIO GALLONI 96 POINTS - "The 2021 Pinot Noir Sanford and Benedict Vineyard is a gorgeous, beguiling wine. The 2021 is a blend of two blocks on the estate. A wine of dimension and intensity, the 2021 captures all the magic of this site. Dark blue/purplish fruit, wild flowers, spice and blood orange are some of the many nuances that come alive in this vibrant, mid-weight Pinot. Impressive."
JEB DUNNUCK 94 POINTS - "Unquestionably, some of the finest wines coming out of the Central Coast today emerge from Dragonette, a collaboration between Brandon Sparks-Gillis, John Dragonette, and Steve Dragonette, and apparently, the estate can do no wrong as they consistently fashion incredible wines from Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Rhône varieties, which you don’t see often. If you get a chance, don’t miss these wines."
"The 2021 Pinot Noir Sanford & Benedict Vineyard comes from a great site located on the southern side of the Sta. Rita Hills. Its medium ruby hue is followed by a pure, medium-bodied, incredibly elegant Pinot Noir offering red cherry and strawberry-like fruit, some leafy herb and floral nuances, nicely integrated tannins, and outstanding length. As with all the wines here, the winemaking is impeccable, and this beauty will benefit from 1-3 years and evolve for a decade in cold cellars."
WINE SPECTATOR 93 POINTS - "This feels both open and tightly knit, with a lithe, racy frame holding a core of gently mulled black and red cherry and raspberry fruit together, while sassafras, sweet tobacco and singed cedar elements flitter around a zip of minerality on the finish. Distinctive. Drink now through 2029."
ANTONIO GALLONI 96 POINTS - "The 2021 Pinot Noir Sanford and Benedict Vineyard is a gorgeous, beguiling wine. The 2021 is a blend of two blocks on the estate. A wine of dimension and intensity, the 2021 captures all the magic of this site. Dark blue/purplish fruit, wild flowers, spice and blood orange are some of the many nuances that come alive in this vibrant, mid-weight Pinot. Impressive."
JEB DUNNUCK 94 POINTS - "Unquestionably, some of the finest wines coming out of the Central Coast today emerge from Dragonette, a collaboration between Brandon Sparks-Gillis, John Dragonette, and Steve Dragonette, and apparently, the estate can do no wrong as they consistently fashion incredible wines from Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Rhône varieties, which you don’t see often. If you get a chance, don’t miss these wines."
"The 2021 Pinot Noir Sanford & Benedict Vineyard comes from a great site located on the southern side of the Sta. Rita Hills. Its medium ruby hue is followed by a pure, medium-bodied, incredibly elegant Pinot Noir offering red cherry and strawberry-like fruit, some leafy herb and floral nuances, nicely integrated tannins, and outstanding length. As with all the wines here, the winemaking is impeccable, and this beauty will benefit from 1-3 years and evolve for a decade in cold cellars."
WINE SPECTATOR 93 POINTS - "This feels both open and tightly knit, with a lithe, racy frame holding a core of gently mulled black and red cherry and raspberry fruit together, while sassafras, sweet tobacco and singed cedar elements flitter around a zip of minerality on the finish. Distinctive. Drink now through 2029."
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