PRODUCER: Sandhi Wines
REGION: Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Barbara, California, USA
WINEMAKERS: Sashi Moorman, Rajat Parr
In his recent review of the Sandhi wines, Antonio Galloni said: ‘It is quite conceivable that within a few years the Sandhi Chardonnays and Pinots could become reference point, benchmark wines for Santa Barbara, and California, for that matter’. This sort of praise will come as no surprise to those that are familiar with the project - a collaboration between Rajat Parr (wine director for the Michael Mina restaurant empire) and winemaker Sashi Moorman (also behind Evening Land, Stolpman and Piedrasassi).
WINERY HISTORY
Sanskrit for 'collaboration,' Sandhi is a meeting of minds for two of California's most influential figures in wine. Frustrated by the heavy, over-oaked Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs which at one time defined California, in 2010 Rajat Parr and Sashi Moorman struck out to make wines of outstanding restraint and elegance. The two first met over two decades ago, when Raj - an up-and-coming sommelier - discovered the wines of Ojai Vineyard, where Sashi was working. Inspired by the lighter style of these wines (in comparison to prevailing trends in the US), Raj became fascinated with producing this style in the Santa Barbara region. After bottling their first wine in 2009, the two officially launched their brand the next year. Over fifteen years later, they continue their work revealing the singular coastal beauty and nuance of responsibly farmed vineyards across the Sta. Rita Hills. Driven by their passion for collaboration wines of place, it seems entirely likely these wines will continue to define Burgundian varietals in the States for decades to come.
VITICULTURE & WINEMAKING
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir specialists, Sandhi sources grapes from some of Santa Barbara’s most revered vineyards. The focus is on an exceptionally narrow band of the Santa Rita Hills AVA. Each site is located south of Santa Rosa Road, along the southern corridor of the region. These north-facing vineyards - mere miles from the Pacific - are the parcels that define the Santa Rita Hills, producing the wines that first captured the attention of Rajat and Sashi years ago.
These bottlings are defined by an effortless verve and balance which enchant the senses. Indeed, the wines of Sandhi enrapture those fortunate enough to taste them. They are characterised by bracing acidity and an unrivalled sense of minerality that practically jump off the palate. Early harvesting is no accident, endowing their wines with the vibrant, aromatic layers which make Santa Barbara wines so distinct. Defined by cool breezes and golden sunshine, the grapes of the Santa Rita Hills possess marvellous concentration and freshness. Relying solely on natural yeast and with no additions, the wines of Sandhi find their inspiration in the greatest wines of Burgundy. The Chardonnays are fermented and aged in large oak barrels, adding complexity and texture to every taste. Pinot Noir, as a slightly more delicate grape, is fermented in concrete before a short barrel aging, optimising its bewitching aromatics.
The Central Coast and Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnays are made from a blend of vineyard sites, with the rest of the range comprising single vineyard designates from some of the most iconic sites in the Sta. Rita Hills. These include Sanford & Benedict, Bent Rock, La Rinconda, Patterson, and Romance, names sure to be familiar with any fan of the region.
IN THE PRESS
"The negociant arm of Sashi Moorman and Rajat Parr's collaboration, Sandhi continues to deliver purity, focus and precision seemingly on demand. In addition to sourcing from an enviable array of top-tier sites in Sta. Rita Hills, they have begun including sections of the Domaine de la Côte, most notably in the stellar Romance bottling." - Matthew Luczy, Wine Advocate
