7250 Santa Rosa Road, Bulleton, CA 93427, USA
Tel: 001 805 688 3300
Just a couple of hours from downtown LA lies the lovely seaside
town of Santa Barbara. A short drive takes you to wine country, and
the valleys of Santa Barbara County, Santa Ynez and Santa Maria.
Sanford, with six vineyards (20 acres in all, producing around 20 000
cases per year), was one of the pioneers in this region, so it was
nice to get a chance to try these wines. I have to admit, I came away
disappointed. The Sauvignon is almost undrinkable, and the Chardonnays
have a crude character with some odd notes to them. Things improve
with the three Pinot Noirs, although they are made in quite a heavy
style. And I don't like the effeminate, flowery labels!
Sanford Sauvignon Blanc, Central Coast 1999
Forget about the off-putting bright pink capsule, the ripe, fruity
nose has a noticeble herbaceous streak that reminds me of tinned peas.
Poor
Sanford Barrel Select Chardonnay 1999
A full golden colour, this has a rich caramel edge to the crudely
oaked nose. Savoury and toasty on the palate, with fresh, lean fruit.
A bit crude. Good
Sanford Chardonnay Santa Barbara County 1999
A full yellow/gold colour the rich palate has a slightly odd
unripe character. Lean and savoury. Good
Sanford Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County 1999
This full flavoured Pinot has an attractive pungent, herbal,
medicinal nose. The palate shows good intensity and rich oakiness --
perhaps a little bit too much oak. Very good
Sanford Barrel Select Pinot Noir 1998, Sanford & Benedict
Vineyard
The relatively restrained nose shows herby, cherry fruit with a
touch of spice. The concentrated, spicy palate is attractive and
savoury. Very good+
Sanford Barrel Select Pinot Noir 1998, La Rinconada Vineyard
First vintage from this new vineyard. A deep purple/black colour,
it has a shy nose and a concentrated, rich, spicy palate. A big Pinot
Noir, the new oak is pretty evident at this stage. Very good