Wine Advisor
Deovlet, Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Chardonnay 2021
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Erin Brooks
The 2021 Chardonnay Sanford & Benedict Vineyard is youthfully shy on the nose, taking plenty of air to segue from initial saline and roasted almond scents to deeper tones of yellow apples and meringue. The light-bodied palate has a satiny texture and balances expansive, nutty flavors with a foil of laser-like acidity. It has a long, mouth-coating finish and offers the concentration and structure to age well in bottle over the next decade or more. 114 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.
