SANDHI - SANTA RITA HILLS 2021 VINTAGE RELEASE
Discover the Unique Elegance of Sandhi Wines from Santa Rita Hills
For wine lovers who appreciate craftsmanship, Sandhi Wines from Santa Rita Hills are a must-try. These aren’t just any wines—they’re crafted with a dedication to purity, balance, and the unique qualities of their vineyard sites. And now, for the first time, Love Wine is excited to bring these small-production wines to the island, making them an exclusive addition to your table or collection.
About Sandhi Wines
Sandhi is the collaboration of Rajat Parr, a master sommelier, and Sashi Moorman, an incredibly skilled winemaker. Together, they’ve built a reputation for creating wines that showcase the beauty of the terroir, focusing on finesse and elegance rather than power. Their wines reflect the cool climate and complex soils of the Santa Rita Hills, allowing the vineyards' character to shine through in every bottle.
Santa Rita Hills: A Unique Region
Located in Santa Barbara County, the Santa Rita Hills region is known for its cool-climate vineyards. The constant ocean breezes and fog allow for a long growing season, which helps the grapes retain their natural acidity while developing deep, layered flavors. It’s a prime area for growing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, producing wines that balance freshness with complexity.
2021 Vintage: A Standout Year
The 2021 growing season was one of the best in recent memory for Santa Rita Hills. A dry winter led to a mild spring and summer, with no significant weather issues. The cooler summer months provided perfect conditions for slow ripening, preserving the natural acidity and flavor concentration in the grapes. As a result, the wines from this vintage are exceptionally balanced and expressive.
Highlighting the 2021 Wines
Now, let's dive into four standout wines from Sandhi’s 2021 vintage, all of which are now available through Love Wine:
Sandhi 'Rinconada' Chardonnay 2021
The 'Rinconada' Chardonnay is a perfect example of the precision and elegance Sandhi is known for. Aromas of citrus blossom, white peach, and a touch of minerality greet you. On the palate, you’ll find notes of lemon curd, green apple, and a hint of almond. The finish is long and refreshing, with lively acidity.
- Drinking Window: Best enjoyed now through 2028.
- Cellaring Potential: This wine will continue to develop over the next 5-7 years, gaining more depth and complexity.
Sandhi 'Romance' Chardonnay 2021
The 'Romance' Chardonnay showcases a blend of select vineyard sites, bringing elegance and balance. Expect aromas of honeysuckle, Meyer lemon, and a touch of flinty minerality. The palate reveals flavours of pear, quince, and a subtle oak influence, creating a wine that’s layered but always fresh.
- Drinking Window: Ideal from 2024 to 2030.
- Cellaring Potential: With its structure and vibrant acidity, this wine will age beautifully for up to 8 years.
Sandhi 'Jalama Canyon Ranch' Pinot Noir 2021
The 'Jalama Canyon Ranch' Pinot Noir is a standout from this coastal vineyard. It offers aromas of wild strawberries, rose petals, and herbs. On the palate, there’s a harmonious blend of cherry, cranberry, and a touch of earthiness, all wrapped in silky tannins. The acidity brings energy and lift to the wine, making it incredibly food-friendly.
- Drinking Window: Ready to drink now, but it will reach its peak between 2025 and 2032.
- Cellaring Potential: Expect this wine to age gracefully for 8-10 years, developing more complexity over time.
Sandhi 'Romance' Pinot Noir 2021
The 'Romance' Pinot Noir is a blend from various vineyards in Santa Rita Hills, and it’s a fantastic expression of what this region can do. Dark cherry, baking spices, and a hint of forest floor greet the nose. On the palate, flavours of raspberry, black tea, and a savoury touch come through, all supported by fine tannins and bright acidity.
- Drinking Window: Best enjoyed from 2024 to 2032.
- Cellaring Potential: This wine can age for 10 years or more, gaining more layers and depth with time.
Why You Should Reserve These Wines
These Sandhi wines are not just bottles to drink—they’re pieces of craftsmanship. With their limited production and growing reputation, they’re becoming harder to find. And since Love Wine is the first importer to bring Sandhi wines to the island, this is a rare opportunity to add something truly unique to your collection. Whether for a special dinner or just because you love having something exceptional on hand, these wines will impress.
Don’t wait too long, though—once they’re gone, they may not be available again for some time. Secure your bottles today and experience the best of Santa Rita Hills at your table.
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