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

Justin Willett at Tyler has the great fortune of working with some of the oldest vines in the Santa Rita Hills. Planted to a selection of cuttings from the famed Mt. Eden vineyard in the Santa Cruz Mountains, his parcel of Pinot Noir vines in the top notch Sanford and Benedict vineyard sits just below the block of Tyler Chardonnay vines, in very well-drained but deep chert/shale soils above chalk. We're talking some of the finest soils in which to grow the best Pinot Noir. This 45+ year old parcel originally planted by pioneer winemakers Richard Sanford and Michael Benedict routinely produces the most complex, pure and ethereal Pinot Noir in the Tyler range. It is a wine of total grace and elegance. To bring out every last drop of fruit and nuance, Justin ferments 50% of the grapes as whole cluster, in an open top fermenter and letting the natural wild yeasts do their job before the wine is matured in 30% new French oak to balance its character. This wine is a total treat and if you are going to buy only ONE wine... we strongly recommend it.

The 2018 Pinot Noir Sanford & Benedict Vineyard is very pretty and understated. Crushed flowers, dried rose petal, mint, sweet red cherry, mulling spices and star anise all give the 2017 striking aromatic presence. Medium in body and silky, the 2018 offers plenty of immediacy and appeal. Readers will find a gracious Pinot built on savory/floral aromatics and tons of sheer appeal.

- Antonio Galloni, Score: 93+, Drink date: 2022 - 2033

The nose here is slightly reserved on the first pour, which I find consistent with the old-vine cuvées from this site. It has aromas of boiled red sweets, Earl Grey tea and pine cones. The texture on the palate is broad, lively and animated, with a bright, focused and tense...

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