2020 Chanin Pinot Noir Los Alamos Vineyard
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Tasting notes
The 2020 Pinot Noir Los Alamos Vineyard is delicately styled, made with 15% whole clusters and matured in 15% new oak. It has a very pale ruby color and aromas of struck flint, burnt orange peel and spicy blackberries with earthy undertones. The light-bodied palate is soft with rounded acidity and a satisfying core of sweet berries, finishing with lots of spicy accents.
Critic scores
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Leading off the Pinot Noirs, the 2020 Los Alamos Vineyard Pinot Noir saw 15% stems and spent 15 months in just 15% new French oak. Its translucent ruby hue is followed by a solid perfume of spiced red fruits, flowers, peppery herbs, and flowers. Beautiful on the palate as well, it's medium-bodied, has a pure, seamless mouthfeel, flawless balance, and a great finish. This is a stunningly ethereal, elegant expression of Pinot Noir to drink over the coming decade. These latest releases from Gavin Chanin are pretty much straight-up brilliant across the board. Gavin pulls from some of the top sites in Santa Barbara County and favors a little bit of stems depending on the vineyard and aging in mostly neutral barrels. These are pure, classic, incredibly impressive wines that offer plenty of enjoyment in their youth, yet they can also evolve and age gracefully. As I write in the reviews, these wines are rarely about power and opulence and shine for their remarkable elegance, purity, and finesse. I love the wines.
The 2020 Pinot Noir Los Alamos Vineyard is delicate, lifted and ethereal, all of which make it a fine choice for drinking over the next handful of years. Crushed rose petal, orange peel, dried herbs and red berry all grace the 2020. Hints of whole cluster savoriness add further dimension. This is nicely done, and a super-classic expression of Los Alamos.