Pinot Noir Sanford & Benedict, Lutum Wines 2013

A sensual, expressive wine, the 2013 Pinot Noir Sanford & Benedict Vineyard posseesses gorgeous depth and richness. Sensual and inviting, the 2013 captures the essence of this great site. Dark red and bluish hues fruits meld into spice, smoke, cedar and new leather. With time in the glass, the 2013 takes on a more brooding personality with intriguing elements of gravitas. This is another strong showing from Lutum and Gavin Chanin.

The most pure, focused and crystalline of the Santa Barbara releases, the 2013 Pinot Noir Sanford & Benedict Vineyard offers stunning aromas and flavors of rose petals, spring flowers and violets to go with a core of darker berry fruit. Picking up additional minerality with time in the glass, it's medium-bodied, ultra-pure and focused, yet still has beautiful fruit and a seamless texture that keeps it fun to drink. It's a great Pinot Noir. Completely destemmed and aged 18 months in 25% new French oak, it's another effort from this team that will have over a decade of longevity.