Chapin Family Vineyards is one of the newest entrants into the Temecula "boutique winery culture", as owner/vintner Steven Chapin puts it.  With just under five acres, located near Lake Skinner, and right across the street from Doffo Winery, the acreage of vines were planted back in 2002.  Cabernet, Syrah, Petite Verdot, and Montepulciano, are now beginning to yield mature fruit, and in 2008 Chapin saw its first two releases….. a 2006 estate grown Syrah, and a 2006 estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon. Seeking only quality fruit, Steve says, "I estimate we drop 40–50 percent of our crop……"   On the back of the wine label, Steve further says, "The Chapin Family vines were farmed meticulously, maintaining the proper amount of clusters for each individual shoot. This technique produces a very intense wine that captures the flavors of our Temecula site."  Then under the watchful eye of winemaker, Dr Enrique Ferro, "We use a destemmer, but not the crusher," says Chapin. "Instead, we do whole-berry maceration for more fruit character. Then we ferment in open bins. And I keep the barrels really topped up."