2020 Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Pinot Noir
Santa Rita Hills AVA


Tasting Notes
“Deep red hue. Aromas of jasmine, boysenberry, and blackberry jam are followed by notes of pomegranate, rhubarb, and cherry. This fusion of floral, dark, and red fruits sails into the palate and are matched with juicy tannins and a youthful texture. This Pinot Noir ends with richness and with great pleasure. Enjoy now through 2032.”
~Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
March 2022
“A wonderfully spicy nose is comprised by exceptionally pretty red and blue pinot fruit that is laced with subtle floral nuances, and in particular, violet and rose petal. The succulent, round, generously proportioned and highly seductive middleweight flavors aren’t quite as precise but do offer outstanding persistence on the dusty, moderately and youthfully austere finale. This is also very impressive.”
Allen Meadows
Burghound
October 2022
July 2022
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: 12 years
Viticulture Practice: Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing (CCSW)
Vinification: Destemmed, fermented in Stainless steel
Cooperage & Ageing: 17 months in 100% French Oak, 56% new
Production: 27 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Clone: 33% Clone 667, 44% Clone 943, 23% Clone AS-1
Acidity: 3.38 pH, 6.56 TA (g/L)
Alcohol: 14.3%
Harvest: September 19, 2020, hand harvested
Club Release: April 2022
Release Price: $74
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.