2009 Chanin Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard

Community Tasting Notes (6) Avg Score: 91.7 points

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  11/2/2018 - RGCM Gananda Likes this wine: 93 Points

  Prior bottle was less than four months ago, but considering how well it showed, there was no reason for delay. Nose was identical: red cherry, mineral and earth. This was another great bottle with virtually identical notes: medium bodied, red cherry upfront, gaining depth and elegance in the middle along with adding red raspberry and some background blackfruit hints. Backside shows a mix of red berry and blackberry, mixed with minerals, earth and just a touch of vanilla/oak. Finish is clean with good length and lingering mineral qualities. Acidity is still providing contrast and light tartness on the finish. There's enough depth, structure and complexity that with a bottle in good shape, this wine should be able to last several more years ta this level.

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  7/15/2018 - RGCM Gananda Likes this wine: 93 Points

  Prior bottle was just last month but considering how well it showed, decided to open another and was well rewarded as this bottle showed at least as well, maybe even a touch better than the June bottle. Red cherry, earth and mineral notes on the nose. Medium bodied, but felt like there was a bit more density, depth and roundness here, as compared to my prior bottle. Flavor profile was nearly identical with red cherry, deepening into red raspberry and finishing with blackberry. The fruit felt slightly brighter and along with the increased mid-body depth, there was also a bit more structuring tannin/acidity. This allowed the wine to show a better overall sense of balance. Nine years isn't exactly "old", even for a CA pinot noir, but this wine is clearly in a very good spot. I have one last bottle which I will probably drink before year end 2018.

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  6/15/2018 - RGCM Gananda Likes this wine: 93 Points

  Prior bottle was only a few short weeks (as a test to make sure the wine showed well before bringing it to this gathering) and there was some noticeable positive bottle variation this time. Cherry and a mix of red and black berries on the nose. Medium bodied and showing a progression from bright, red cherry initially, deepening through the middle to a red raspberry and then bringing in a blackberry note towards the back. The fruit overall showed a bit more elegance than the prior bottle. It retains that beautifully pure, acidity and mineral driven fruit expression that I so enjoy from both this particular site and this producer overall. This bottle felt just a bit "younger" than my prior one and much more solidly at peak. Next bottle for me will be July 2018 as there's no need to wait.

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  5/26/2018 - RGCM Gananda Likes this wine: 92 Points

  Black raspberry, red cherry and floral notes on the nose. Medium bodied (13.8% ABV) with black cherry and black raspberry upfront. When opened, it seemed a bit lighter than I was expecting, but it opened up and deepened with time. Retains good brightness as well as contrasting tartness upfront, balancing the richer mid-body blackfruit notes. Brings in some red cherry notes and good acidity on the backside. Probably just past peak, but is holding up extremely well. The fruit remains expressive, pretty and precise and there's enough tartness and acidity to provide enjoyable contrasts. Still has that wonderful roundness through the mid-body where all the elements come together. Should be able to hold this level for another 12+ months, but if you have any left, don't delay as this is too good a wine to allow it to fade. Next bottle for me as soon as mid-June 2018.

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  8/24/2014 - rojoloco Likes this wine: 93 Points

  An absolutely beautiful wine. Very light in color but not in taste. What a delight. I discovered his wines through a friend and find him to be a hell of a winemaker. This one was delicious. Don't even hesitate. Though I hate to say that since his wines go so quickly, but they deserve to be appreciated.

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