Antonio Galloni raves about the 2011 Chanin wines
We’re excited to share former WINE ADVOCATE critic, Antonio Galloni’s, notes on our 2011 vintage, posted on his new website, Vinous.com.
“Gavin Chanin made four of the best 2011s I tasted. The only problem is finding the wines, as production is Burgundian scale, which is to say anywhere from 2-8 barrels for each of these wines. Readers who can find a few bottles won’t be disappointed, as the wines are truly magnificent. Chanin favors a pretty straightforward approach that starts in the vineyard and finishes with wines that see minimal handling in the cellar. Each year I have been deeply impressed, but the 2011s really do seem to take things to another level. Chanin’s Chardonnays and Pinots are a pure joy to taste.”
2011 Bien Nacido Pinot Noir
ANTONIO GALLONI’S VINOUS.COM- 96 points, July 2013
The 2011 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard is weightless and totally gracious, yet also incredibly deep and resonant, with an understated intensity that only Pinot Noir and Nebbiolo are capable of. Dark red cherries, plums, autumn leaves, pine and anise all take shape in the glass. Savory notes add complexity on the finish. This is a dazzling, phenomenal Pinot from Gavin Chanin, and easily one of the wines of the year. Chanin fermented the 2011 with 40% whole clusters and aged the wine in 25% new French oak barrels. Drinking window: 2013 – 2021
2011 Los Alamos Pinot Noir
ANTONIO GALLONI’S VINOUS.COM- 95 points, July 2013
Sweet, perfumed and utterly impeccable, the 2011 Pinot Noir Los Alamos Vineyard stands out for its fabulous harmony. It is a rare wine that is both aromatically expressive, yet also radiant on the palate. All the elements meld together in this drop-dead gorgeous Pinot from Gavin Chanin. Hints of autumn leaves, sweet red berries, licorice and dried flowers wrap around the finish. Drinking window: 2013 – 2021
2011 Bien Nacido Chardonnay
ANTONIO GALLONI’S VINOUS.COM- 93+ points, July 2013
Chanin’s 2011 Chardonnay Bien Nacido Vineyard is one of the very best wines I tasted from this historic vineyard. Focused, bright and articulate, the 2011 is laced with lemon peel, crushed rocks and white flowers. The style is deeply marked by pure energy, focus and tension. My sense is that the 2011 will be even better in another few years.
2011 Los Alamos Chardonnay
ANTONIO GALLONI’S VINOUS.COM- 93 points, July 2013
The 2011 Chardonnay Los Alamos Vineyard is a wine of true distinction. Ripe apricots, peaches and flowers inform a juicy, expressive Chardonnay layered with class and personality. Creamy and rich on the palate, yet also beautiful in its sense of balance, the 2010 is a wonderfully complete wine. Stylistically, the Los Alamos is a bit more immediate than the Bien Nacido Chardonnay. Smoke, mineral, almonds and white flowers all flesh out in the glass.