Chanin Los Alamos Vineyard Chardonnay 2021

VinousThe 2021 Chardonnay Los Alamos Vineyard marries the aromatic lift of this site with a good deal of stony intensity and drive. There's an understated depth here that is absolutely beguiling. The Los Alamos is usually a more ethereal wine, but the 2021 has an added kick if mid-palate richness that is compelling. Citrus peel, mint, white pepper and chalk linger on the bright, intensely saline finish.

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.

Jeb DunnuckBrought up in 10% new French oak, the 2021 Chardonnay Los Alamos Vineyard is a richer, subtly buttery Chardonnay offering beautiful orchard fruits and spicy wood, medium body, nicely integrated acidity, and an overall soft, supple, approachable style that's already impossible to resist.