WTN: 2006 Copain Pinot Noir L'automne

• 2006 Copain Pinot Noir L'automne - USA, California, North Coast, Anderson Valley (8/8/2007)
  I've had several vintages of this wine (use to be called Saisons des Vins) and the '06 is by far my favorite so far. What more could you ask for in a sub $20 PN from CA. The fact that it is all Anderson Valley fruit makes it even better, for me at least. Wonderfully expressive nose of crushed flowers, baking spice and cherry. The palate really shines with sour cherry, underbrush and a touch of cola. With air this opens even more revealing more layers and depth of flavors. If there was little more earthiness and acidity, you'ld have a great village Burg hear (think Vosne Romanee), yet the cold climate acidty and structure is present and lifts the fruit to a somewhat lengthy finish. I couldn't ask more of this wine, but will ask for more from my local monger. If this is representative of '06 Pinot Noir we are all in for a treat. Cudos to Wells on some terrific juice.

Gregg, I googled Copain, and found that all their pinot is single vineyard stuff. At least on their web page it is. So can you breakdown this wine a bit further? Also, the youngest pinot I found on their web page was 2005. Thanks

Gregg, I googled Copain, and found that all their pinot is single vineyard stuff. At least on their web page it is. So can you breakdown this wine a bit further? Also, the youngest pinot I found on their web page was 2005. Thanks

Gregg can give a better answer but basically these used to be bottled as Saisons des Vins. I think there are four of them (Seasons). Syrah, Pinot and a couple of whites. These are bargained priced and very nice every year. Like I said, I think this is the first time they have actually appeared as Copain. I was not offered this direct ... so not sure what the deal is there.

Jason

Bob -

Wells Guthrie, winemaker at Copain, bottles a seasonal wine for each of the 4 seasons. A Rose Le Printemps (spring), a Viogner L'Ete (summer), a Pinot Noir L'Automne (fall) and a Syrah L'Hiver (winter). While the Copain single vineyard wines are really the flagship, the Saison des Vins wines are a fun project that likely uses excess fruit that doesn't make the single vineyard cut.

Here is some info from Polaner Selections on the Pinot.

Wells Guthrie sources fruit for this wine from Hein, Cerise, and Savoy vineyards — all organically farmed — in the Anderson Valley. (The label, which says “Mendocino County,” was printed long before Wells chose the final lots.) Partial whole cluster inclusion; only native yeasts; bottled without fining or filtration. Classic Anderson Valley cherry fruit combines with an almost Burgundian texture; balanced and harmonious with persistent finish.