Sanford Winery, Santa Rita Hills Chardonnay

Alcohol percentage: 13.5%

Area:
Richard Sanford and Michael Benedict pioneered top quality viticulture in the Santa Barbara region when they planted the now renowned Sanford and Benedict Hills in 1971.

Although the area is much further south than all the key California regions north of San Francisco, the breeze from the nearby Pacific really does make this a (relatively) cool climate, ideal for both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Grape variety:
100% Chardonnay, matured for 9 months in French oak (25% new).

Producer:
In 2007 the Sanford and Benedict vineyard was sold to the Terlato family, who had already bought the Sanford brand. The vineyard continues to supply a range of top producers in the state, and is the backbone of the wines under the Sanford label.

The Bottle Shop rating:
California is the one reliable source for ‘classic’ new world Chardonnay – wines of opulence and evident oak. This is in that mould, but with lovely freshness and drinkability.