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2016 Copain Les Voisins Syrah

Not Currently In Auction

Latest Sale Price

December 4, 2022 - $26

Estimate

RATINGS

93The Wine Advocate

...nose of warm marionberry, blackberry, boysenberry and blueberry—wonderful layering of black and blue fruits!—with mint chocolate, roasted coffee bean, olive and violet nuances. The palate is medium-bodied with fantastic intensity, expertly framed with grainy tannins and great freshness, finishing long. This is so delicious!

93Wine Enthusiast

Nicely ripe fruit aromas and flavors meet seductive baking-spice and chocolate accents in this medium-bodied, poised and silky textured wine.

90Jeb Dunnuck

...perfume of bacon fat, raspberries, and dried flowers. It’s medium-bodied, silky and elegant on the palate, with a complex, mid-weight, incredibly drinkable style.

89-91Vinous / IWC

...wonderfully aromatic lifted and spiced, all in a translucent, refreshing style that is hugely appealing. Black pepper, lavender, spice and a range of blue/purplish fruit notes are front and center.

PRODUCER

Copain

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.”

REGION

United States, California, North Coast, Mendocino County

Mendocino AVA was established in 1984 and amended in 1989. It includes numerous sub-appellations. Mendocino AVA is entirely within Mendocino County, and the AVA is known for its Mediterranean climate. Vintners successfully grow Carignan, Charbono, Grenache, Zinfandel, Petit Sirah and Syrah. In cooler parts of the region Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are also grown. Mendocino County is home to nearly 600 vineyards, and many have been certified organic for decades, thanks to the region’s famous “green and sustainable” approach to agriculture and nearly everything else. Mendocino was named for 16th century explorers, a pair of brothers whose last name was Mendoza. Winemaking, however, didn’t start until the 19th century when some would-be gold miners decided it was more profitable to make wine than to pan for gold. Italian immigrants in the late 19th century continued to establish winemaking ventures.

TYPE

Red Wine, Syrah (Shiraz)

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.