We've said it before, but it bears repeating: Santa Barbara, and specifically the Sta Rita Hills, is home to arguably the best wine in California (and worthy of a place on any list of the greatest growing regions in the world). It boasts all of the conditions needed to draw tension, balance, concentration, and varietal and terroir expressiveness from its wine, with iconic old-vine vineyards (Zotovich, La Encantada, Sanford & Benedict), east-west ranging valleys that trap the cool ocean air, a uniquely mineral-dense soil type, and the benefits of extended periods of California sunshine.
In short? We love Santa Barbara wine. And who's making our favorite wine in one of our favorite regions? Ryan Deovlet, the California born, Australia and New Zealand trained winemaker who is quietly making a name for himself as one of the best producers of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in California.
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Ryan's resume is impressive: after returning to California, he spent two years with Central Coast legend Stephen Dooley, learned from David Ramey during his time as assistant winemaker at Red Car, and worked under the tutelage of Paul Hobbs. In the 15 years since his first vintage - 100 cases of La Encantada Pinot Noir - Deovlet has been named as one of Wine & Spirits Top 100 Wineries in the World 5 times. Despite that, Ryan is somehow devoid of any ego, as thoughtful and honest a winemaker as you'll find today (he's far more likely to nerd out over the details of different soil types than take any opportunity for self-congratulation).
We're thrilled to have Ryan behind the bar this Thursday to pour through these stunning wines. We'll have single vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, of course, but we'll also explore some of his under-the-radar gems (Pinot Gris Ramato, Cabernet Sauvignon, and the absolute best domestic Pinot Blanc you've ever tasted).
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Flight of 6 wines for $30 ($20 club)
Thursday, October 24th
5-8pm