Wine Advisor
Deovlet, Chardonnay 2021
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Erin Brooks
The 2021 Chardonnay Santa Barbara County has bright scents of fresh green pears and quince, Greek yogurt and almonds. The light-bodied palate strikes an effortless balance of concentration and energy. It has impressively expansive, detailed flavors foiled by a spine of razor-sharp acidity and a very long, shimmery finish. It will be long lived in the cellar. 338 cases were made.
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.
