The 2022 Sandhi Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir is a notable addition to Sandhi's portfolio, showcasing the distinctive characteristics of the Santa Rita Hills appellation. Produced by Sandhi, this wine is a blend of declassified fruit from Domaine de la Côte and purchased fruit from three other vineyards, including La Rinconada. The result is a complex and expressive Pinot Noir that has garnered high praise from professional reviewers.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded this wine a score of 94, highlighting its intricate and multi-layered profile. According to their review, the 2022 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills "has an alluring perfume of raspberry, strawberry, tea leaves, tobacco, potpourri and gravel dust, and it reveals botanical undertones as it spends time in the glass." The review also notes the wine's "light-bodied palate" with a deep core of "spicy, herbal fruit," supported by "chalky tannins, energetic acidity and a long, layered finish."
Wine Spectator also gave the wine a positive review, scoring it 93 points. Their tasting note describes the wine as having a "bright, savory streak that fully permeates the core of bitter cherry and damson plum, while sage, green tea and pepper notes dart around." The review emphasizes the wine's "long, taut, pinpoint finish" that leaves a "lingering twang of iron." Wine Spectator suggests that this wine will be at its best from 2025 through 2032.
With an alcohol content of 13.5%, this red wine is bottled with a cork closure. It is characterized by its complex aromas and vibrant palate, making it a noteworthy Pinot Noir from the Central Coast region of California. Both reviewers underline the wine's potential for aging, suggesting that it will develop further complexity over the next several years.
In summary, the 2022 Sandhi Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir stands out for its aromatic complexity and balanced structure. It is a wine that offers immediate enjoyment while also promising to evolve gracefully with time.