Dragonette Pinot Noir Sanford & Benedict Vineyard 2019
A superior source of California Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills is the coolest, westernmost sub-region of the larger Santa Ynez Valley appellation within Santa Barbara County. This relatively new AVA is unquestionably one to keep an eye on.
The climate of Sta. Rita Hills is a natural match for Chardonnay and Pinot noir, thanks to the crisp ocean breezes and well-drained, limestone-rich calcareous soil. Here, grapes ripen just enough, while retaining brisk acidity and harmonious balance.
Critical Acclaim
92 Wine Enthusiast
Red-plum skin, peppercorn, bay leaf and wild-thyme aromas converge for a slightly funk though quite appealing set of scents on the nose of this bottling. The palate is sanguine and earthy in flavor, offering charcuterie and dried citrus flavors along with a central red-fruit tone. The wine grows more interesting as it sits open.