2006 Sanford & Benedict Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir

Tobacco, spice, and light smokiness on the nose draw you into the 2006 Sanford and Benedict Pinot Noir, which then opens up to envelope you with the more fruit-driven aromas of red fruit and cherry cola. On the palate the fruit builds even further with cherry, blackberry, and black cherry, still paired off with cola, tobacco, and toastiness, and over time a slight floral character develops on both the palate and the nose. The fruit from this vineyard expresses itself with a wonderful balance of nuanced flavors, bold fruit character, and great structure, with supple tannins and good acidity to carry the palate through a smooth finish.