2014 Lutum Chardonnay Gap’s Crown Vineyard

MIND THE GAP

In Antonio Galloni’s high-flying 2014 Chardonnay lineup, Mark Aubert’s “Lauren” ($170/bottle) came in at a best-of-vintage 97 points. Kistler’s “Hudson Vineyard” ($140) was just a tad behind, earning 94-97 points. But one point ahead of Rochioli ($96) and two points ahead of the most expensive Chardonnay in Sonoma, Peter Michael’s “Point Rouge” ($495), was far and away the blue-chip bargain of the vintage: Gavin Chanin’s 2014 Lutum Gap’s Crown — a STEAL at just $50 only from WineAccess.

For someone barely cracking 30 years old, Gavin Chanin has truly done some amazing work; he has earned the right to be mentioned among the Sonoma Coast elite. Food & Wine Magazine named him “Winemaker of the Year” and Forbes put Chanin on its list of “30 Under 30.” With 16 harvests under his belt — his first eight for Au Bon Climat and Qupé wineries in the Santa Maria Valley — Gavin’s youth belies an industry-leading wisdom that employs high-acidity, low-alcohol wines to better show off the nuances of specific vineyards. There’s no better case in point than the 2014 Gap’s Crown.

Gap’s Crown is a famously cold and rocky vineyard. One of the colder sites on Sonoma Coast, Gap’s Crown peers over the mouth of the Petaluma Gap, yielding rich, wound-up, high-toned Chardonnay, buttressed by the electrifying acidity of the fog-shrouded coast, and renowned for its superb persistence.

In 2014, the grapes were picked at 6 a.m., with dew glistening on the vines. The idea was to harvest the grapes cool, before the sun would get high in the sky. That way the fruit was brought in cold and ultimately cold-pressed to protect the delicate flavors.

The Lutum Gap’s Crown Chardonnay is the value play for Sonoma Chardonnay in 2014. Shimmering yellow in color. The nose is full of pineapple, candied ginger, and fresh basil. The palate is zesty and vibrant with lots of depth and concentration of fruit, stony minerals, and a touch of anise. Take your time with this wine by letting it open up slowly to unveil its inner mineral core. Drink now-2025.

In the phenomenal 2014 vintage on the coast, Antonio Galloni rated just 11 Chardonnays 95 points or more. Topping the list was “Lauren” from Mark Aubert at 97 points. The 2014 Lutum Gap’s Crown? It finished just one point behind Aubert in score and $120 behind in price.

$50 bottle— shipping included on 4. That’s the good news. The bad? The last 600 bottles are up for grabs.

• ABV 14.42%
• Enjoy right away
• % Chardonnay