Wine Advisor
Deovlet, Chardonnay 2020
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The 2020 Chardonnay (Santa Barbara County) is terrific. Rich, layered and expansive, the 2020 will drink well right out of the gate. Lemon confit, tangerine oil, mint, baked apple tart and light tropical accents abound, but more than anything, it's the wine's texture and balance that impress most. The appellation Chardonnay is a blend from Sanford & Benedict and Zotovich aged in foudre. I loved it.
About the Producer
Ryan Deovlet is rapidly emerging as one of the most exciting new winemakers in the Central Coast. With each small-production Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, he aims to capture the essence of the vineyard, blending old-world elegance with a touch of fruitiness. Much like new producers in Burgundy, Deovlet collaborates with vineyards as if he were their owner, passionately overseeing the entire process from vine to bottle with artistry and intuition. To hone his craft, Deovlet apprenticed with renowned winemakers and viticulturists, including Stephen Dooley of Stephen Ross Wine Cellars, David Ramey at Red Car Wine Co., and Paul Hobbs of Viña Cobos in Mendoza, Argentina. Through these experiences, he developed a vision focused on managing vine balance rather than simply maximizing yields to achieve optimal phenolic ripeness. He also embraced a hands-on approach in the cellar, valuing meticulousness without being rigid in his vinification methods. In addition to his winemaking skills, Deovlet furthered his understanding of the industry by studying his customer base and achieving certification as a sommelier. Today, Deovlet produces Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from exceptional vineyards in the Central Coast, including La Encantada, Sanford & Benedict, and Solomon Hills, with each wine crafted in very limited quantities of 200 cases or fewer.
