Antonio Galloni says Chanin’s 2015 Pinot Noir, Duvarita Vineyard “is a total knockout”!

2015 Pinot Noir, Sanford & Benedict Vineyard – 95 Points 

The 2015 Pinot Noir Sanford & Benedict Vineyard is bold and racy, but also shows a good bit of freshness. Dark cherry, plum, lavender, mint, violet and sweet spices are front and center. Pliant and ripe, but with good supporting energy, the 2015 is all about balance. Today, it is a bit tightly wound. Give it a few years to be at its best.

2015 Pinot Noir, Duvarita Vineyard- 95 Points

The 2015 Pinot Noir Duvarita Vineyard is another gorgeous wine from Gavin Chanin. Red cherry, cranberry, orange peel, mint and rosewater, all supported by veins of tannin, are some of the nuances that give the Duvarita its chiseled, saline-driven personality. Readers who like energetic Pinots will adore the Duvarita. Today, it is a total knockout.

2015 Pinot Noir, Bien Nacido Vineyard- 94+ Points

A bold, racy wine, the 2015 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard expresses all of the radiance of the year. There is not a lot of subtlety here. Instead, the 2015 makes a strong opening statement with its bold, almost flamboyant fruit. Even with all of its obvious intensity, the 2015 shows Gavin Chanin’s restrained hand, which tempers some of the natural richness that is present in this fruit.

2015 Chardonnay, Sanford & Benedict – 94 Points

The 2015 Chardonnay Sanford & Benedict is the most precise of the three Chardonnays I tasted from Gavin Chanin. White pear, baked apple, spice and white flowers give the wine its characteristic aromatic lift and flavor intensity. Medium in body and gracious, it is simply impeccable.

2015 Pinot Noir, Los Alamos Vineyard- 93 Points

The 2015 Pinot Noir Los Alamos Vineyard is exquisitely beautiful. Rose petal, mint, sweet red cherry and dried flowers lift from the glass in this delicate, wonderfully nuanced Pinot Noir from Gavin Chanin. All the elements are simply in the right place. A dollop of whole clusters (15%) adds aromatic complexity. The Los Alamos is not a big or obvious wine, but it is very, very pretty one, made in an especially floral/savory style.

2015 Chardonnay, Los Alamos Vineyard– 93 Points

Gavin Chanin’s 2015 Chardonnay Los Alamos Vineyard captures a striking middle ground that expresses both the richness of the year and the focus that is possible from this site. As always, the flavors are bright and focused, but there is quite a bit of textural depth and richness. This is very nicely done.

2015 Chardonnay, Bien Nacido Vineyard- 92 Points

The 2015 Chardonnay Bien Nacido is laced with essence of apricot pit, peach, chamomile, honey and mint. Creamy, layered and voluptuous, yet also medium in body, the 2015 is absolutely delicious. I would prefer to drink it on the earlier side.