"Vinified with 20% whole cluster and aged 16 months in 30% new French oak, the 2023 Pinot Noir Sanford & Benedict Vineyard offers wild strawberries, red currants, peppery herbs, and sappy, floral nuances. It's medium-bodied and has a pure, seamless mouthfeel, ultra-fine and polished, yet building tannins, and a great finish. This classy, balanced, beautifully perfumed effort will drink well over the coming 10-12 years. Drink 2025-2037.<!--more-->I continue to love the wines from Ryan Deovlet, who makes a classic, elegant, and transparent style of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The wines are mostly destemmed, with some cuvées including up to a third whole clusters, and new oak is always kept to a minimum. Ryan works with some of the top sites in the Sta. Rita Hills, including Zotovich, Sanford & Benedict, and La Encantada, as well as Pinot Blanc from La Encantada. He also makes Sonny Boy, a Merlot-based blend, and Cabernet Sauvignon from Star Lane in Happy Canyon. These wines are consistently pure and balanced and will appeal equally to fans of both New World and Old World styles. (Drink between 2025-2037)." -Jeb Dunnuck, 94JD
