2011 Deovlet Sonny Boy Bordeaux Blend
Last year, we
championed the few barrels that were released of Ryan Deovlet's Chardonnay
& Pinot Noir only to have Antonio Galloni rate them at 94 points and
higher, then disappear. Once again, we're the first to have the new vintage of
Ryan's new project "Sonny Boy."
This inaugural release
- Deovlet "Sonny Boy" Bordeaux Blend from Santa Barbara County - is a
nice surprise. With only 135 cases produced, a SoCal blend of 68% Merlot, 21%
Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Petit Verdot was a risk worth taking. The wine has
plenty of broad red fruit, evoking the sunshine and ripeness we expect. To
contrast there's enough tannin & suave, chocolate aromas that assist in
declaring Deovlet's "Sonny Boy" an aromatic yet concentrated cousin
to Bordeaux that stays light on its feet. Not only is this a head-turning first
release, but also a great release for Spring: a full-bodied red wine that we
don't have to decant.
- Jordan Nova, AS
Restaurant Director,
1313 Main