Chanin Bien Nacido Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021

Jeb DunnuckThe 2021 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard is much more masculine and mineral-driven, which unquestionably comes from the site. Crushed stone, marine-like nuances, red and blackberries, spring flowers, and iron all emerge on the nose, and it's medium-bodied, with a concentrated, focused, structured style and terrific length on the finish. Give it a year or so and enjoy through 2031.

VinousThe 2021 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard is a powerful, heady wine. Today, the 2021 is a bit closed, which I think may be attributable to the 35% whole clusters. Red cherry fruit, blood orange, mint, star anise and cinnamon lend an exotic flair. This deceptively medium-bodied Pinot packs quite the punch. Give it time.

Gavin Chanin describes 2021 as a mostly cool, sunny year, with cool weather also during flowering that resulted in smaller berries with thicker skins. The wines are gorgeous. The Chardonnays are pressed to barrel, with no settling, where they stay for 13-14 months before being racked for the first time and moved back into wood. Pinot Noirs typically see 35-50% whole clusters, but stems are rarely a pronounced signature. The Chanin wines stand out for their understated finesse and elegance. In 2021, the Chardonnays are especially fine.