Cool, mineral notes dominate Sandhi’s 2010 Chardonnay Sanford & Benedict. Today, the 2010 comes across as tightly wound and quite implosive, but my sense is it just needs time to emerge. The flavors and textures are decidedly pointed, with hints of lemon, white flowers, spices and crushed rocks. A subtle touch of botrytis-like sweetness adds complexity on the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018. AG Aug 2012

Cool, mineral notes dominate Sandhi's 2010 Chardonnay Sanford & Benedict. Today, the 2010 comes across as tightly wound and quite implosive, but my sense is it just needs time to emerge. The flavors and textures are decidedly pointed, with hints of lemon, white flowers, spices and crushed rocks. A subtle touch of botrytis-like sweetness adds complexity on the finish. Aug 2012

A sleek, dense and concentrated Chardonnay, with a focused laser beam of white peach, tangerine and nectarine flavors that are tight and juicy. Drink now through 2020. 225 cases made.

Very fine citrus and mineral aroma, slight smoky reduction is attractive. Tight and fresh and zesty. Beautiful focus and balance, a little salty. Intensity and freshness and somehow intelligence. So articulate and mineral. Long and burgundian but still proudly Californian. The oak gives a savoury framework and the fruit sings.
Oct 2013 - Julia Harding MW - Long picking window in Sta Rita Hills because acid tends not to drop. Picked 16 Sept, earlier than many. Planted in 1971 by the pioneering Richard Sanford and Michael Benedict. This site represents the oldest Chardonnay plantings in all of Santa Barbara County and is largely synonymous with the creation of the Santa Rita Hills appellation. Tucked into the south-eastern corner of the Santa Rita Hills with north-facing blocks, this vineyard is planted on hard, silica, shale and well-drained soils. The Chardonnay blocks are both from the Wente selection, which is widely considered to be some of the first cuttings brought into California. 500-litre puncheons. Indigenous yeast.