2021 Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Pinot Noir
Santa Rita Hills AVA


Tasting Notes
“Very dark red hue. Beautiful scents of boysenberries, anise, and blackberry jam are followed by softer notes of roses, custard, ripe cherry, and cola notes. These qualities persist on the palate and are framed by dimensional tannins, silky texture, and modest acidity. Into the finish, it continues its lusciousness, richness, and sublime qualities. Enjoy now through 2032.”
~Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
July 2023
“Testarossa’s most refined single vineyard Pinot Noir from Santa Barbara County’s most famous, historic vineyard. A fragrant red berry/cherry nose is followed by a silky palate of dense dark red cherry. Beautifully balanced with deep fruit intensity and firm acidity and super persistent finish. Very well-made wine. Matured 11 months in 50% new French oak.”
Don Winkler
International Wine Review
February 2023
Production Data
Growers: Terlato Family
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Sta. Rita Hills AVA
Elevation/Exposure: 395 feet; North
Soil: Santa Lucia shaly clay loam and Botella clay loam, with proportion of fragmented chert
Vineyard Age:50 years, some replantings 13 years
Viticulture Practice: Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing (CCSW)
Vinification: Destemmed, fermented in Stainless steel
Cooperage & Ageing: 11 months in French oak, 54% new
Production: 22 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir (45% Archery Summit Clone, 36% 667 Clone, 4% 943 Clone)
Acidity: 3.25 pH, 7.92 TA (g/L)
Alcohol: 14.3%
Harvest: October 2, 2021, hand harvested
Club Release: August 2023
Release Price: $76
Drink Now through 2032

Past Vintage Wine Scores
The Sanford & Benedict Vineyard
Sanford & Benedict Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills appellation is now back at Testarossa! Our first vintage from this outstanding vineyard was in 2004 when it was still under the guidance of famed Richard Sanford, pioneer of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation. In 2007 the Terlato family took ownership of the vineyard, making it one of several of their grape-growing properties including La Rinconada Vineyard just next door. Testarossa currently receives 6 of 16 acres of Pinot Noir and 4 of 28 acres of Chardonnay produced from Sanford & Benedict Vineyard. This beautiful vineyard sits at just about 400 feet in elevation with a northern exposure, just southeast of Lompoc. The soil consists of well-drained gravelly loam mixed with clay and fragmented chert.
The area is situated near an unusual valley perpendicular to the coast that allows funneled winds between the mountains and the sea that is ideal for growing cool-climate varietals such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.