Vinous Loved Our 2018 Vintage!

‘Gavin Chanin’s 2018’s are some of his best wines ever. Each wine is on point and exquisite. Readers will note the addition of two new wines: a Syrah and a Reserve Pinot Noir from Durell. As always, the wines are incredibly transparent to site. The Pinots see a bit of whole cluster influence, which adds character without being overly dominant.’ –Antonio Galloni

2018 ‘Los Alamos Vineyard’ Chardonnay– 92 Points

‘The 2018 Chardonnay Los Alamos Vineyard is a very pretty, airy wine. Candied lemon peel, almond paste and chamomile are all laced together. Tangerine oil and tropical accents add an exotic flair as this mid-weight Chardonnay opens nicely in the glass.’

2018 ‘Bien Nacido Vineyard’ Chardonnay—94 Points

‘The 2018 Chardonnay Bien Nacido Vineyard is fabulous. Bright, lifted and beautifully persistent, the Bien Nacido has so much going on. There is a sense of translucency I find absolutely compelling. Bright saline notes give the Bien Nacido energy, tension and drive. This is such a gorgeous wine.’

2018 ‘Sanford & Benedict Vineyard’ Pinot Noir– 96 Points

‘The 2018 Pinot Noir Sanford & Benedict Vineyard is another absolutely stunning wine in this range. Rich, sumptuous and explosive, the S&B simply has it all. Ripe dark red/purplish fruit, lavender and spice scream out of the glass. The depth, power and concentration here are just unreal.’

2018 ‘Schock Family Vineyard’ Pinot Noir– 96 Points

‘The 2018 Pinot Noir Schock Family Vineyard is fabulous and also a big step up from the 2017. In this range, the Schock Pinot is marked by its bright acids and beams of supporting tannin, both of which give tremendous drive. Dark red cherry, plum, graphite, licorice and crushed rocks develop in the glass as this gorgeous, captivating Pinot shows off its considerable charms. In a word: superb!’

2018 ‘Bien Nacido Vineyard’ Pinot Noir– 95 Points

‘The 2018 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard opens with a burst of sweet red cherry fruit. Mountain flower, sweet spice, star anise and cinnamon add striking layers as the 2018 opens up in the glass. More than anything else, the Bien Nacido is a supreme example of Gavin Chanin at his best.’

2018 ‘Reserve’ Pinot Noir– 95 Points

‘A new wine in this range, the 2018 Pinot Noir Reserve offers a beguiling interplay of floral and savory aromatics, with superb depth and tons of persistence. Sweet dried cherry, crushed rose petal, mint, cinnamon and blood orange add an exotic flair. The 2018 is deceptive in its light-ish color and mid-weight structure but has plenty of depth and pedigree to burn.’

2018 ‘Los Alamos Vineyard’ Pinot Noir– 93 Points

‘The 2018 is a gorgeous wine that captures the essence of this site. Crushed flowers, mint, sweet dried cherry, sage, hard candy and pine give this beautifully lifted, translucent Pinot striking perfume to play off its mid-weight personality. Deceptive in its ethereal personality, the Los Alamos has a lot going on. This is a fine vintage. As always, this sandy site yields a Pinot built on floral and savory presence.’

2018 ‘Schock Family Vineyard’ Syrah- 94 Points

‘The 2018 Syrah Schock Family Vineyard is Gavin Chanin’s first Syrah, and it is fabulous. Deep and rich, but not at all heavy, the 2018 has so much to offer. Readers will have to be patient, as the 2018 is an embryonic wine at this stage. What comes across is the wine’s exceptional balance and harmony. Time will be needed for Syrah aromatics to emerge.’