2021 Deovlet - Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills Sanford & Benedict (750ml)

Ryan Deovlet's path to winemaking began far from a cellar, as a former semi-pro baseball infielder whose career ended with an arm injury. He turned to agriculture, first working organic farms in Australia, then apprenticing under Stephen Dooley at Stephen Ross Wine Cellars, David Ramey at Red Car Wine Company, and Paul Hobbs at Viña Cobos in Argentina. In 2008 he returned to California and approached Sta. Rita Hills pioneer Richard Sanford directly, launching Deovlet Wines that same year with roughly a hundred cases of Pinot Noir. Production remains small, built around a hands-on, minimal-intervention style.

This Chardonnay is sourced from the Sanford & Benedict Vineyard, planted in 1971 by Richard Sanford, who was the first to recognize the potential of this stretch of the Sta. Rita Hills, a rare transverse coastal range that funnels cool Pacific air directly into the valley. Deovlet ferments and ages the wine mostly in large-format oak rather than small barrels, a choice meant to preserve freshness and site character over overt oak influence.

The result is taut and precise, with citrus peel, white pepper, and crushed stone racing across the palate alongside a cooling note of fresh mint. Vibrant acidity and a chalky, mineral-driven finish give the wine real tension and length. Its bright, savory character pairs well with grilled halibut, oysters on the half shell, or a creamy goat cheese.