2005 Copain Thompson Syrah

Copain Wines is in the Russian River Valley, in Northern California. It was founded in 1999 by Wells Guthrie and his friend Kevin McQuown, hence the name of the winery, which means “buddies” in French. Guthrie formerly worked for Wine Spectator and McQuown is a software designer. Guthrie worked in the Rhone Valley and at Turley Winery to learn winemaking, and he is Copain’s winemaker. Copain’s signature wines are Syrahs, though the winery also makes Rose, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Robert M. Parker Jr. has rated many Copain wines in the 90s and calls Guthrie’s vineyard-designated wines “superb.”

Santa Barbara County is not an AVA, but a region just south of San Luis Obispo that includes the Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Maria Valley appellations. Wine has been produced in the area since the 18th century when Spanish missionaries planted vineyards. It wasn’t until the 1990s, however, that producers focused on growing premier grapes for fine wines. During the 1990s more than 10,000 acres of vineyards were planted, and today there are nearly 20,000 acres of vineyards. The region received a big bump in recognition and prestige when the popular film “Sideways” was shot there in 2004. Because the region is affected by maritime weather, it is relatively cool climate makes it ideal for Chardonnay. Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and an increasingly adventuresome number of varietals are also grown successfully in Santa Barbara County.

This grape is grown in milder climates and produces a medium-to full-bodied wine. It is also known as Shiraz, but should not be confused with Petit Sirah, which was developed by crossing Syrah with Peloursin.