This 2021 Sandhi Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir is a red wine that hails from the renowned wine region of Santa Barbara in California, USA. Crafted by the esteemed producer Sandhi, this Pinot Noir showcases the incredible quality and character that this region is known for.
In the glass, this Pinot Noir displays a medium ruby color, enticing the senses with its vibrant hue. The nose is greeted with enticing aromas of sliced strawberries and orange peel, offering a bright and crunchy profile. On the palate, this wine delivers a medium to light body, accompanied by light tannins that add structure and depth. The finish is crisp, leaving a lasting impression on the palate.
Renowned wine critic James Suckling awarded this wine an impressive score of 92 points, describing it as a wine with a bright and crunchy profile, highlighting the flavors of sliced strawberries and orange peel. Suckling recommends enjoying this wine now, emphasizing its youthful charm.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also highly praises this 2021 Pinot Noir, awarding it an exceptional score of 96 points. They note its medium-bodied yet concentrated character, with scents of cinnamon stick, aniseed, iron, underbrush, and charcuterie. The core of red cherries and cranberries adds complexity, while the powdery frame, refreshing acidity, and graphite-driven finish showcase the wine's precision and detail. They suggest cellaring for an additional 2-3 years to further enhance its potential.
Vinous, another respected publication, awarded this wine a score of 91 points. They highlight its energy and nuance, exemplifying the characteristics of the vintage. Crushed red berry fruit, rose petal, chalk, mint, and white pepper intertwine to create a tremendous appellation-level Pinot Noir. Antonio Galloni, the reviewer from Vinous, believes this wine has the potential to exceed expectations and may even be better than his note suggests.
Wine & Spirits also joins in the praise, awarding this Pinot Noir a score of 92 points. They describe it as heady and musky, with a tea-like spice. The assertive whole-cluster character adds vibrancy, while the plum and dark cherry fruit provides a Beaujolais-like quality. The combination of liveliness and plumpness creates a truly winning experience.
In conclusion, the 2021 Sandhi Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir is a superb representation of the Santa Barbara region's excellence in winemaking. With its bright and crunchy profile, elegant structure, and accolades from esteemed critics, this wine is a must-try for any wine enthusiast seeking a remarkable Pinot Noir experience.