Deovlet is one of the new all-star producers of California's Central Coast, and this is their top bottling. I was lucky to get my hands on three precious cases, as the winery only makes 150-175 cases each year.
Hailing from one of California's "Grand Cru" Pinot Noir sites, Antonio Galloni was the one who described this as "absolutely magnificent." He's right and then some. This is a stunning bottle of Pinot Noir that easily competes with many that cost 2 to 3 times the price. Just 36 bottles up for grabs -- first come, first served.
2018 Deovlet Pinot Noir Sanford and Benedict Vineyard
96 points Vinous Media
ORDER NOW in our online store. We will apply deal pricing once we receive your order.
Simply put, Ryan Deovlet is one of the top young winemakers in California's Central Coast. We have his "entry level" Pinot Noir on sale too -- click here to check that out and to learn more about the man and his wines. Long story short though, this is a serious bottle of Pinot Noir with amazing depth and complexity.
If you're wondering who/what Sanford and Benedict are, those are the two fellas who first saw the potential of the Santa Rita Hills. Inspired by the wines of Burgundy, Richard Sanford and Michael Benedict planted this legendry site back in 1971. Today, these are some of the oldest Pinot Noir plantings in the United States.
Ryan Deovlet begged Richard Sanford to sell his some fruit, and after a couple of tries, Richard saw Deovlet's passion and gave in. Ryan works with two blocks of Pinot Noir, one planted in 2011 and the other an original block from 1971 (Martini clone). Aging is in Chassin barrels for 18 months, 33% new, and the wine is bottled with no fining or filtration.
What a wine! Antonio Galloni summed it up very well. "The 2018 Pinot Noir Sanford & Benedict Vineyard is a dark, potent wine. Black cherry, scorched earth, gravel, dried flowers and licorice give the 2018 a distinctly sepia-toned personality. A wine of substance and pure power, the Sanford & Benedict Pinot is absolutely magnificent. Don't miss it. Drink 2021-2030. Suggested retail $60."
This is a California Pinot Noir to plan a meal around. Duck would be great, but it's got enough "stuffing" to go with beef or lamb too. It will also reward the patient. I think it will be at its best in 2027-2028, but man, it's awfully good now too.
ORDER NOW in our online store. We will apply deal pricing once we receive your order.
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville