90 points from Tanzer!

2008 Chanin Wine Company Chardonnay Bien Nacido Vineyard Santa Maria Valley
By Josh Raynolds
Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar, Nov 10
($30) Bright yellow-gold. Pear, tangerine and floral honey on the smoky nose. Rich and expansive, with lush pit and orchard fruit flavors and complicating notes of anise and succulent herbs. Finishes smooth and sappy, with good persistence and lingering smokiness. 89 points

2008 Chanin Wine Company Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard Santa Maria Valley
By Josh Raynolds
Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar, Nov 10
($45) Medium red. High-pitched aromas of redcurrant and cherry, with subtle spice and floral notes adding complexity. Spicy, tightly focused red fruit flavors are given depth by a note of cherry pit and become deeper with air. Bitter cherry and herb qualities echo on the long and subtly sweet finish. This is pretty grown-up pinot. 90 points