Since the turn of the century, the red-hot appellation of Sta. Rita Hills has exploded onto the scene and attracted major talent that none could’ve ever imagined. Most notably, Sine Qua Non and Sea Smoke, two cult labels that are now basking in worldwide fame and categorically high pricing. But I say let them soak up the spotlight because my focus lies behind the curtains on Chanin’s wildly buzzed-about Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays.
His wines are a savory case study on soil, the subtleties of a grape, and the mastery of minimalist, land-before-hand winemaking. In just over a decade, Chanin’s Grand Cru-equivalent gems have quietly entered the conversation for America’s best, which is vividly apparent in today’s back-vintage release of 2013 “Sanford & Benedict.” Home to the oldest Pinot Noir vines in Santa Barbara, this prized site is among California’s most hallowed and cherished. As such, Chanin has captured a gorgeously honest expression of terroir in this bottle—and it’s a striking one at that. Each rotating artistic label is hand-crafted by Gavin, so on top of his wines being incredibly sought after, his paintings and labels have also become somewhat of a hot collectors’ item. Inside and out, this 2013 truly is a masterful work of art that illustrates why this micro-batch project has launched into stardom. Quantities are extremely limited.