2011 Sandhi Pinot Noir Wenzlau
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
Made with no SO2 and bottled completely in magnum, the 100% whole cluster fermented 2011 Pinot Noir Wenzalu Vineyard (No Sulfur) is loaded with black and blue fruits, sappy underbrush, pepper and floral aromas and flavors, with an emphasis on upfront fruit. Medium to light-bodied, with an overall elegant profile, it should be stored extra carefully and I would lean toward drinking it in its youth. Drink now. These racy, energetic efforts are made by Sashi Moorman from their home base in Lompoc. Taking lightness to the extreme in some cases, these are nevertheless riveting wines. Tel. (805) 686-3086; www.sandhiwines.com
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
A totally gorgeous wine, the 2011 Pinot Noir Wenzlau emerges with a compelling mélange of sage, rosemary, licorice and dark red cherries. Here it is the wine's chiseled, vibrant personality that stands out most. A brilliant, crystalline finish laced with plums and juniper berries rounds things out in style. Rajat Parr is one of the lucky few to get fruit off Wenzlau. He certainly got the best of that fruit with his two bottlings from this site in the Santa Rita Hills that looks poised to become recognized as one of the top Pinot vineyards in California in very short order.