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. Aged 17 months in 15% new oak, the 2016 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard shows the more mineral, seaside, marine-influenced style of this vineyard beautifully. Black cherries raspberries, crushed rocks, spice box, and tons of salty minerality all flow to a tight, vibrant Pinot Noir that still shows the purity, balance, and suppleness that makes this vintage so special. It’s a beautiful wine that has both nuance and intensity.