Tasting Notes
Vinous 93-95
A dense, powerful wine, the 2016 Pinot Noir Vanguard hits the palate with serious density. Dark red and purplish fruit, lavender, plum and white flowers infuse this voluptuous yet structured, super-expressive Pinot Noir. The 2016 is a big wine with tons of potential. In 2016, Vanguard is 100% Sanford & Benedict fruit, split equally between parcels planted with Martini and Mt. Eden clones.
Robert Parker 92
“The 2016 Pinot Noir Vanguard reveals notes of damson, plum, raspberries, currant leaf and rose petal, followed by a medium-bodied palate structured around fine-grained tannins, showing a bit more texture and mid-palate weight than the Sta. Rita Hills bottling, but to my taste less energy and complexity. Its acids are tangy and linger on the youthfully primary finish. The Vanguard hails from warmer sites that are sheltered from the wind. 580 cases were produced.”
Anticipated maturity: 2018-2026