As the old saying goes, nothing is perfect. Now all of that may have changed with the advent of the ‘100 point scale’ which occasionally has wines awarded 100 points. Isn’t 100 points on a ‘100 point’ scale, well, perfection? In theory it would seem so, but what defines perfection? Simply it is the ability to fulfill all of the parameters in the best possible way. But it is also relevant to understand that someone has to decide what those parameters are. Obviously you can‘t judge Pinot Noir and Chardonnay by the same standard.
Even with the same varietal, there are stylistic preferences that some might judge more enthusiastically than others. The origins also make a difference. Willamette Pinots, those from Russian River, Santa Rita Hills or Santa Lucia Highlands each have their own charm, but they also have long-established traits that define their appellation. All have very different profiles.
So that being said, within the very specific subset of Santa Rita Hills, it doesn’t get much better than the Sandhi Pinot Noir Santa Rita 2016. Beautifully orchestrated throughout, this is a textbook example of the appellation like few we have ever seen. The aromatics show the cool dark red fruits, rhubarb, and wild herbs. In the mouth there is plenty of refined, well-meshed, ample cranberry and mulberry fruit, a tapestry of earth, anise, and touches of oak in the finish.
To quote Antonio Galloni of Vinous Media,“… the 2016 Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills) is positively stellar. Powerful and deep in the glass, with unusual depth, the 2016 has so much to offer. There is a level of sheer richness I have never seen in this bottling before. Blue and purplish berry fruit, lavender and spice flavors are all amped up. This is a very serious wine at the appellation level. Then again, the core of this wine is now composed of vineyards that belong to Domaine de la Côte. If there is one wine that over delivers big time in 2016, Sandhi’s Santa Rita Hills Pinot is it. Don’t miss it…93 Points! “
In any case, we haven’t experienced a better standard-bearer for the appellation than this one. If you are a fan of the Santa Rita Hills, this wine hits all the right notes. Does that mean perfection? Under a certain set of parameters, maybe so. But at the very least, it’s seriously good, ‘Burgundy styled’ Pinot Noir crafted by guys (Rajat Parr and Sashi Moorman) that have great experience with real Burgundy, and, at $29.98, delivers a lot of value on a wine that plays at a high level. Like the man said, ‘don’t miss it!’