The 2021 Senses El Diablo Russian River Chardonnay is a notable addition to the ever-impressive portfolio of Senses wines. Sourced from the Russian River Valley in Sonoma, California, this Chardonnay showcases the meticulous craftsmanship synonymous with the region's finest offerings.

James Suckling, giving it a commendable score of 94, described the wine as "crisp and crunchy with sliced apple, oyster shell and fresh flowers." He noted its full-bodied nature, highlighting flavors such as "apple tart, dried lemons, and crushed stone," and mentioned its crisp finish. Suckling's review suggests that this wine is equally suitable for immediate enjoyment or aging.

Jeb Dunnuck provided an even higher score of 97, praising its "medium golden with a silver tint" appearance and layered aromas of "flint, salted peach, toasted brioche, and lime zest." He emphasized the wine's "clean and creamy texture" and seamless balance, noting flavors of "hazelnut, toasted cedar, and melon." Dunnuck remarked on its potential for aging, suggesting it will improve over the next 5-7 years and remain enjoyable for a decade thereafter.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded the wine a score of 93, pointing out its barrel fermentation and 14-month maturation in one-third new French oak. The review highlighted "flinty tones, petrichor, and quince fruit" on the nose, and described the palate as light-bodied with "focused, laser-like acidity" and lingering "honey-nut tones." They recommended giving it 2-3 years to fully develop.

Vinous rated the wine 91, acknowledging its complexity and detail. The review described it as a "deep, tightly wound wine" with notes of "lemon confit, jasmine, graphite, dried flowers, and chamomile." Despite being mid-weight and translucent, Vinous appreciated its intricate profile.

The Wine Independent gave a strong score of 95, noting the wine's gradual unveiling of "powerful notes of peach cobbler, preserved mandarin peel, and lime cordial," with underlying hints of "honeycomb, praline, and sea spray." The palate was described as medium to full-bodied, with a "decadent oiliness" and "lively backbone," finishing on a "lingering ginger ale note."

Overall, the 2021 Senses El Diablo Russian River Chardonnay is a well-received wine, celebrated for its complexity, balance, and potential for aging. With scores ranging from 91 to 97, it stands out as a quality Chardonnay from the Russian River Valley.