Copain/pinot/Burgundy dinner at Cru

J

Jay Miller

Jay Miller
Don't know if anyone here is interested but Wells Guthrie will be in town for a big blind tasting at Cru on March 24. He's the owner and winemaker at Copain who recently made a move to picking earlier as he wasn't happy with how his earlier riper wines were aging.

In response Parker promptly slammed the new direction and lowered ratings across the board (though from what I hear both Tanzer and Burghound approved, Gilman has yet to comment).

I've only tried two of his wines in the past (liked them) so I'm going to get a wider exposure. And while I'm skeptical that 2002 Burgundies will be showing all that well it will be an interesting check in there also. And I've never eaten at Cru so I'm killing 3 birds with one stone. And I suppose I'll survive tasting the Kosta Browne.

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www.cru-nyc.com
 
The K-B is wonderful over ice cream.

Years ago, I was on the Copain mailing list but I stopped buying with the 2000 vintage as I found his wines going toward the bigger style. I still remember the 1999 Denison Vnyd. pinot - it was one of the wines that gave me hope for Mendocino County.
When I was in CA in 2006 to help with harvest, I remember someone telling me that Wells had decided to pick a pinot vineyard at pretty low brix - it wasn't what I expected so it made an impression.
I'd like to try his stuff again but admit that I'm still a bit gun-shy - wondering if the wood will now take center stage.

But I won't be in town for this tasting so I look forward to your notes if you go.
Best, Jim
 
originally posted by Florida Jim:
The K-B is wonderful over ice cream.

Years ago, I was on the Copain mailing list but I stopped buying with the 2000 vintage as I found his wines going toward the bigger style. I still remember the 1999 Denison Vnyd. pinot - it was one of the wines that gave me hope for Mendocino County.
When I was in CA in 2006 to help with harvest, I remember someone telling me that Wells had decided to pick a pinot vineyard at pretty low brix - it wasn't what I expected so it made an impression.
I'd like to try his stuff again but admit that I'm still a bit gun-shy - wondering if the wood will now take center stage.

But I won't be in town for this tasting so I look forward to your notes if you go.
Best, Jim
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I'll try to post them in a semi-timely fashion. I admire his intent on doing it all blind, though I think choosing 2002 Burgs is stacking the deck a little :).
 
In response to Asimov's article the other day, I opened a bottle of 2003 Copain Hacienda Secoya that I had bought last year, without realizing that stylistically it was nothing like the latest releases. Ghastly stuff made of wood and IHOP syrup that is still sitting on my counter, waiting for a hot pan of something. I'm really glad they have had a change of heart and are selling something worth drinking.
 
originally posted by Cory Cartwright:
In response to Asimov's article the other day, I opened a bottle of 2003 Copain Hacienda Secoya that I had bought last year, without realizing that stylistically it was nothing like the latest releases. Ghastly stuff made of wood and IHOP syrup that is still sitting on my counter, waiting for a hot pan of something. I'm really glad they have had a change of heart and are selling something worth drinking.
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Yes, apparently the winemaker has the same opinion on how those wines have aged. Hence the change in direction.
 
Glad to hear about the changes. My prior experiences were not pleasing either. I will definitely revisit. Anyone know what the first vintage of the new paradigm was?

Jay, I look forward to reading your take on the tasting.

Cheers,

Dave
 
I think it's 2006. On ACOB I've read especially nice things about their '06 En Haut Kiser. I've tried the '06 Cerise which tasted very nice on first pour but started developing that annoying cola note after some time in the glass. But Wells Guthrie says that the Cerise is from their warmest vineyard while Kiser is their coldest.
 
13.0% alcohol. Nice and bright and seemingly clever. Restarined in both the flavor profile and the wood profile. I liked it, but I'm not sure it is worth $50. Is it as good as village Chambolle from Barthod, for example? No, but I would definitely order it at a restaurant if not buy it by the case.

I think it is worth your while to seek them out and give them a shot.
 
Their latest viognier is also worth looking at. It isn't going to be to everyone's taste, but it's a damn sight better than most California viognier (faint praise, I know).
 
originally posted by VLM:
CWD: 2006 Copain Monument Tree13.0% alcohol. Nice and bright and seemingly clever. Restarined in both the flavor profile and the wood profile. I liked it, but I'm not sure it is worth $50. Is it as good as village Chambolle from Barthod, for example? No, but I would definitely order it at a restaurant if not buy it by the case.

I think it is worth your while to seek them out and give them a shot.
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Yes, that's always a question with many of the better CA wines. It's often the case that there are French options I either prefer or like as much which cost less.
 
Has anybody some experience with their Syrahs? I only had a 2005 Thompson vineyard and was pleasantly surprised. It was quite elegant and restrained.
 
originally posted by georg lauer:
Copain SyrahHas anybody some experience with their Syrahs? I only had a 2005 Thompson vineyard and was pleasantly surprised. It was quite elegant and restrained.
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I had a couple from 2004 and enjoyed them as well. I'm starting to realize that it's much easier to find CA Syrah I like than CA Pinot.
 
originally posted by georg lauer:
Copain SyrahHas anybody some experience with their Syrahs? I only had a 2005 Thompson vineyard and was pleasantly surprised. It was quite elegant and restrained.
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The first (and until tonight only one of two) Copain I tried was an '04 or '05 Eaglepoint Syrah. When I saw it coming around the table I cringed inwardly as I expected some overripe monster. But while undeniably ripe it also had adequate acidity and was thoroughly enjoyable. Sort of a Karl Lawrence Cabernet of Syrahs if that means anything to you.
 
I had given up on the wines as the flames leaped higher, but recent events make me think I should probably revisit.
 
Mixed reviews, the Monument Tree and Kiser en Haut were both very good, the Wentzler and Kiser en Bas not so much. I'll try and post real notes sometime soon.
 
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