Tyler | Chardonnay "Sanford and Benedict" Vineyard, Sta Rita Hills, 2018 | 6x Bottles

Sanford and Benedict is the Holy Grail of all vineyards in the Sta Rita Hills region of California; it is simply the finest place to grow the best Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. It was the first vineyard to be planted by famous botanist-turned-winemaker Richard Sanford in 1971. At the time everyone thought he was crazy to plant vines in such a cool, windswept, rocky place - but history has proved him more than correct. This is one of the most in demand vineyards in the world, and Justin has made his way to source his Chardonnay only from the oldest vines on the site; a very rare feat. From wild, own-rooted vines, which stand atop very shallow and rocky soils (perfect for making their roots dig deep into the rock), planted on a gently north-leaning knoll in close proximity to the Pacific, the combination of old vines, cool ocean breeze, fog, and marine soils create a wine of ethereal grace, beautiful minerality and compelling complexity unrivalled in the Santa Rita Hills... and some might say the world. Do not miss out.

The 2018 Chardonnay Sanford & Benedict Vineyard is one of the most elegant and refined wines in the Tyler range. White flowers, mint, citrus confit, sage and white orchard fruit. Justin Willet did a terrific job capturing all of the character of S&B in this very pretty and expressive Chardonnay. The 2018 is beautifully perfumed, but it also has terrific presence, with plenty of bright, saline notes to play off its natural richness.

- Antonio Galloni, Score: 94, Drink date: 2021 - 2028

Tyler Winery is fortunate to have access to some of the most prized fruit in Santa Barbara County, and none more-so than the original, own-rooted Chardonnay vines at Sanford & Benedict Vineyard. This is as definitive, complex, and pleasurable as it gets for Chardonnay from this vineyard, showing a combination...

- Matt Luczy, Decanter.com, Score: 95, September 2020