2007 Chanin Le Bon Climat Pinot Noir

Chanin Wine Co. was started in 2007 by Gavin Chanin, who had been an assistant winemaker at Au Bon Climat and Qupé. Chanin makes Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Reviewers have been impressed. Vinous wrote that Chanin producers “stellar wines…. the Pinots rise to the realm of the sublime.” Chanin’s grapes are sourced from Santa Barbara County and Sta. Rita Hills. A former art student at UCLA, Chanin's paintings are depicted on his labels.

Santa Barbara County is not an AVA, but a region just south of San Luis Obispo that includes the Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Maria Valley appellations. Wine has been produced in the area since the 18th century when Spanish missionaries planted vineyards. It wasn’t until the 1990s, however, that producers focused on growing premier grapes for fine wines. During the 1990s more than 10,000 acres of vineyards were planted, and today there are nearly 20,000 acres of vineyards. The region received a big bump in recognition and prestige when the popular film “Sideways” was shot there in 2004. Because the region is affected by maritime weather, it is relatively cool climate makes it ideal for Chardonnay. Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and an increasingly adventuresome number of varietals are also grown successfully in Santa Barbara County.

This red wine is relatively light and can pair with a wide variety of foods. The grape prefers cooler climates and the wine is most often associated with Burgundy, Champagne and the U.S. west coast. Regional differences make it nearly as fickle as it is flexible.