Chanin 'Los Alamos Vineyard' Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara, California 2021

Chanin Los Alamos Pinot Noir 21.jpg
Chanin Los Alamos Pinot Noir 21.jpg

Chanin 'Los Alamos Vineyard' Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara, California 2021

£69.00

Such a beautiful pale colour, like a ghost with a touch of rouge on its cheek. I don’t think I have ever known a wine as pale as this to have so much aroma and flavour, it’s truly astonishing. Rosehip and peony kick things off, followed by orange rind, raspberry tea and incense. It’s as ethereal and delicate as a Chambolle-Musigny and has a struck flint, mineral character that only adds to the impression that this is a Cotes de Nuits red, but it ain’t, it comes from vineyards about 3 hours north of Los Angeles. Amazing! 12.5% alc. Only 11 barrels made. 15% whole clusters and matured in 15% new oak. Drink now-2030.

It is early 2024 and General AI is still in its infancy, but I was curious to see what kind of tasting note ChatGPT would come up with if I asked it to write one, so here it is:

“Chanin Los Alamos Pinot Noir 2021 is an excellent wine that is sure to impress even the most discerning wine connoisseur. On the nose, this Pinot Noir exhibits alluring aromas of ripe cherries, blackberries, and plums, along with subtle hints of vanilla and spice. The aroma is further enriched by a subtle earthiness and a hint of smoke.

On the palate, the wine is silky and elegant, with a medium body and a lively acidity that provides a refreshing lift. The flavours of black cherry, raspberry, and plum are beautifully balanced with a touch of oak and a hint of clove, resulting in a wine that is complex and well-rounded. The tannins are supple and velvety, adding a touch of structure to the wine and ensuring a long, smooth finish.

Overall, Chanin Los Alamos Pinot Noir 2021 is an outstanding example of California Pinot Noir, showcasing the best of the region's terroir and winemaking techniques. It is a wine that can be enjoyed now, but also has the potential to age gracefully for several years, allowing the complex flavours to develop and mature over time. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a truly exceptional Pinot Noir.”

Hmmmm. Perhaps there will be a place for wine writers in the robot future after all.


Press review:

JancisRobinson.com: “Smells of cranberry and raspberry fruit. Bright, silky flavours of cranberry and raspberry fruit are shot through with citrus peel and a hint of flowers. Faint tannins, excellent acidity. Hints of sour cherry linger in the finish with a touch of oak. Delicious. Drink now-2030.” 17.5 points

The Wine Advocate: "The 2021 Pinot Noir Los Alamos Vineyard has alluring, pure aromas of cranberry sauce, oolong tea leaves and tobacco, offering up something new with each return to the glass. The medium-bodied palate features crunchy fruit and finely chalky tannins, and its vibrant acidity highlights a fan of spicy accents on the finish. Drink now-2034." 93 points

Vinous: “The 2021 Pinot Noir Los Alamos Vineyard is gracious and effusive as wines from this site tend to be. Crushed flowers, bright, red-toned fruit, cedar, tobacco, and dried flowers all grace this refined, nuanced Pinot. Silky tannins wrap it all together. This is such a pretty wine. Drink now-2029." 93 points

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Odd Lot Pinot Noir, Scheid Family, Monterey, California 2022
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I know, right? A Californian Pinot Noir for £12.95? It’s gotta be awful! Ha, ha! What kind of chump would buy Californian Pinot Noir for that sort of price? It’s probably made from grapes they picked off the ground! Ha ha! It’s probably got more sugar in it than a pot of jam! Ha ha! It’s probably made from formaldehyde and glue. Ha, ha! They must think I was born yesterday. I bet it doesn’t taste anything like Pinot Noir, I bet it’s jammy and sweet. I bet it turns to vinegar within a day of opening it. Ha, ha! These charlatans aren’t going to pull one over on me! 13.5% alc. Vegan. Drink now-2030.

Customer Comments (previous vintage):

“It’s brilliant. I would say very Gevrey like.” - Mr. B. W.

“It’s as nice as some US or NZ I drink, but at half the price, so a great ‘cellar saver’!” - Mr. C. S.

“Just to let you know we are currently having a tasting of Odd Lot. You are right. Excellent value.” - Mrs. J. T.

“Delicious wine!” - Mr. A.P.

“The Odd Job Pinot is very nice.” - Mr L.B.

“How are you stocked for Odd Lot, any left? It went down a real storm.” - Mr D.C.

“It really is good. It’s not spectacular, but it’s undeniably a really good wine” - Mr N.S.

”It is everything you guys said it was. Astonishing for the price…” - Mr. W.G.

Am much enjoying the Pinot ! Hope you haven't sold out, as I'll take another dozen, if available!” - Mr. J.P.

“We are enjoying the Odd Lot Pinot Noir an awful lot!! Do you have any left?” - Mr D.M.

Just wanted to let you know that the Odd lot pinot is absolutely incredible for the price.” - Mr. I.S.

“The Odd Lot Pinot has lived up to everything you said about it” - Mr. A.W.

“Just to let you know that the Odd Lot Pinot Noir lived up to its promise. Such a bargain!” - Mr C.C.