CHANIN
"Not enough can be said about the quality consistently being produced by Gavin Chanin... Pulling primarily from sites like Bien Nacido, Los Alamos, and Sanford & Benedict, Gavin’s wines are always exceedingly elegant, with bright acidity, yet they also have depth, length, and a sense of pure class. In addition, they show singular characters. As to the winemaking, the Pinot Noirs generally see a small percentage of stems, and the new oak is kept in the 20% to 30% range pretty much across the board. Unfortunately, quantities are minuscule, so most of these releases are under 200 cases." - Jeb Dunnuck
"The 2021 Chardonnay Los Alamos Vineyard marries the aromatic lift of this site with a good deal of stony intensity and drive. There's an understated depth here that is absolutely beguiling. The Los Alamos is usually a more ethereal wine, but the 2021 has an added kick if mid-palate richness that is compelling. Citrus peel, mint, white pepper and chalk linger on the bright, intensely saline finish. (Drink between 2024-2031)" Vinous 94VM
"The 2021 Chardonnay Bien Nacido Vineyard is fabulous. Creamy, rich and layered, the 2021 is exquisite. Lemon oil, white pepper, chalk and chamomile all meld together in a Chardonnay of unusual viscosity. Even with all of its intensity, the 2021 remains light on its feet. Gavin Chanin certainly made the most of this fruit. What a wine. (Drink between 2024-2031)" Vinous 96VM
"I tasted the 2023 Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills) from barrel just prior to bottling. It offers lovely aromatic presence to play off a core of pliant fruit. Sweet red berries, spice, rosewater and orange peel confer exotic beauty throughout. (Drink between 2024-2031)" Vinous 89-90VM
"The 2021 Pinot Noir Sanford & Benedict Vineyard is beguiling. Bright, lifted and beautifully focused, Chanin's 2021 captures all the magic of this site. Blood orange, mint and sweet spice meld into a core of bright red-toned fruit. Medium in body and yet wonderfully deep, the S&B is a total knock-out. The 50% whole clusters are not at all evident. (Drink between 2023-2033)" Wine Advocate 95WA
"From a vineyard in the western Santa Maria Valley hills that had gone nearly fallow, this delicious, eight-barrel bottling challenges conventional viticulture on many fronts. Smooth, rich and spicy aromas of cherry, root beer floats and mace lead from the nose into a clean expression of pure fruit and spice that's emboldened with a crushed-stone minerality. It's excellent and alluring, from back story to finish." Wine Enthusiast 97WE
"The 2020 Syrah Reserve, from Donnachadh, is laced with dark/purplish fruit, lavender, sage, mint and blood orange. The 50% whole clusters work so well here. This understated, beautifully lifted Syrah captures the more delicate side of the year to great effect. (Drink between 2023-2032)" Vinous 93VM
