Chanin Pinot Noir 2016, Bien Nacido Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley, California

Chanin Wine Co. is dedicated to crafting wines from Santa Barbara County that reflect the individual vineyard in which they are grown. They focus on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, two grapes that are especially revealing of subtle differences in geography, geology and climate. The grapes are grown in Santa Barbara County, where cool coastal winds, diverse marine based soils and a long growing season provide an exciting and unique environment for Burgundian varieties. The grapes underwent a five-day cold-soak with 1-3 punchdowns by hand daily. Once dry, the wine was pressed and put into French oak barrels (15% new) where it stayed for 14 months before being racked and bottled unfiltered in February 2018. “A bold, racy wine, the 2015 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard expresses all of the radiance of the year. There is not a lot of subtlety here. Instead, the 2016 makes a strong opening statement with its bold, almost flamboyant fruit. Even with all of its obvious intensity, the 2016 shows Gavin Chanin’s restrained hand, which tempers some of the natural richness that is present in this fruit.”