2022 Deovlet - Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills Sanford & Benedict (750ml)
2022 Deovlet Pinot Noir — Sanford & Benedict, Sta. Rita Hills (750ml)
From the cool, maritime-influenced corridor of Sta. Rita Hills, the 2022 Deovlet Pinot Noir highlights the distinctive character of Sanford & Benedict Vineyard. Crafted in a restrained, low‑intervention style under winemaker Ryan Deovlet and assistant Grace Kegel, this wine seeks to express the site’s essence rather than overpower it with oak or extraction.
Terroir & Vineyard Origin
Sanford & Benedict Vineyard, planted in 1971, sits in a transverse valley that channels cool Pacific air deep inland, making it one of California’s premier Pinot Noir sites. The old vines grow across shale, clay, and fragmented chert soils, contributing a signature minerality that informs the wine’s precision and length on the finish.
Vinification & Style
Grapes are harvested by hand from several distinct blocks and underwent partial whole-cluster fermentation. The wine rests in a mix of French oak barrels, with only a modest portion new, preserving freshness and faithfully revealing each block’s character while maintaining a bright, vineyard-forward profile.
Tasting Profile
The aroma opens with red and purple fruit, accented by dried rose petal, lavender, and warm spice, layered over savory, earthy undertones. On the palate, the wine is silky yet structured, with fine-grained tannins and bright acidity that guide a long, mineral-focused finish.
Food Pairing
Pair this Pinot Noir with seared duck breast, herb-crusted lamb, or aged Gouda to mirror its savory depth, mineral balance, and elegant acidity.