2021 Deovlet Pinot Noir 'Sanford & Benedict'

100% Pinot Noir. Hand harvested, 70% destemmed, cold soaked for 5 days with daily pump over circulating and homogenizing the juice before natural fermentation begins. Once invigorated with fermentation the grapes are lightly foot stomped, then either pump overs or punch downs 2 times per day at peak, and 1 time per day toward the end of fermentation. Pressed at dryness and transferred to barrel. Aged for 16 months in 100% French oak, 30% new. 13.5% alcohol. 

96 points, Wine & Spirits. "Ever since he founded his winery in 2008, Ryan Deovlet has talked about transparency as his goal in his single-vineyard pinot noirs. What does that even mean? It's an exceptional character you'll find in both his
2021 Sanford & Benedict and Zotovich bottlings--translucent, luminous, delicate but firm. The Sanford & Benedict Vineyard is distinguished from Zotovich by more clay on the site, by own-rooted old-vine fruit, by the slope and the aspect--all of which seem to contribute an additional structure element, more spring, more sinew, more connective tissue, and, likely, some additional aging potential. At both vineyards, Deovlet's picking decisions were inspired, the wines retaining thrilling tension while remaining full of flavor and expression."

95 points, Vinous. "The 2021 Pinot Noir Sanford & Benedict Vineyard is a total knock-out and also one of the best wines I have tasted from Ryan Deovlet. It emerges from three blocks on the property. Red/purplish fruit, lavender, rose petal and spice all build in a sumptuous, layered Pinot that delivers the goods. The 2021 was done with 25% stems and aged in a combination of small and medium-sized oak. It is a great example of this site."

94 points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate. "The 2021 Pinot Noir Sanford & Benedict Vineyard has slowly unfurling scents of pomegranate, strawberry, aniseed, tea and tobacco leaves, plus loads of spicy and floral nuances. The light-bodied palate features concentrated, spicy flavors supported by chalky tannins and juicy acidity, and it finishes a touch youthfully coiled. It will benefit from 2-3+ years in bottle to unwind."