Robert Parker’s ‘The Wine Advocate’: Great scores for the 2009 and 2010 wines!

Antonio Galloni had great things to say about his visit here, calling the wines“…one of the most impressive collections of wines I tasted during my tour of the Central Coast,” with 90-94 point scores for the 2009 and 2010 vintages.

2009 Chanin Wine Company Pinot Noir, Bien Nacido Vineyard- 94 points

I find more depth in the 2009 PInot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard than the 2010. There is also a little more overt stem influence from the use of 50% whole clusters. Autumn leaves, tobacco, mint, dried cherries, spices and cedar are some of the notes that emerge over time. Chanin’s 2009 Bien Nacido Pinot is another striking beatifully balanced wine, although it could use another year or two for the stems to integrate more fully. The Pointed, crystalline finish alone is dazzling. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2019.

2010 Chanin Wine Company Pinot Noir, Bien Nacido Vineyard- 93 points

The 2010 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard is drop-dead gorgeous. Sweet red cherries, flowers, mint, herbs and spices literally float on the palate in the sublime, weightless Pinot. An endless, silky finish rounds things out in style. Chanin used 40% whole clusters for the Bien Nacido. This is absolutely delicious. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2020.

2009 Chanin Wine Company Chardonnay Bien Nacido Vineyard- 91 points

Chanin’s 2009 Chardonnay Bien Nacido Vineyard fleshes out beautifully in all directions. The wine’s minerality provides a backdrop for expressive varietal fruit in this gorgeous, beautifully articulated Chardonnay. This is another striking wines from Gavin Chanin. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016.

2010 Chanin Wine Company Chardonnay Los Alamos Vineyard- 90 points

The 2010 Chardonnay Los Alamos Vineyard shows the more delicate side of Chardonnay in its understated personality. Lemon, pears, white flowers and a subtle hint of oak flow through nicely to the mineral-laced finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016.