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2021 Copain Sealift Pinot Noir

Removed from a subterranean, temperature and humidity controlled residential cellar; Purchased direct from winery

Ends Sunday, 7pm Pacific

RATINGS

94Wine Enthusiast

The nose of this wine presents a lovely balance between savory spices and ripe, candied berry fruit. The palate reveals a focused tart-cherry backbone, hints of black tea from the portion of whole cluster included, and loads of citrus acidity in the long, juicy finish.

94Jeb Dunnuck

...noted with black raspberry preserve, violets, sweet cardamom, and delicate cedar. Harmonious on the palate, it has ultra-fine tannins, a silky texture, and medium to full body in its notes of ripe berries and wet stone...attractive...

93Wine Spectator

A fresh, racy style, with pure damson plum and hibiscus notes driving through atop mouthwatering acidity, while a light black tea accent fills in subtly on the finish.

93Decanter Magazine (points)

Fresh wild strawberries on the nose and palate with a silken texture.

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, Sonoma, Sonoma Coast

Sonoma Coast AVA runs from San Pablo Bay in the south to Mendocino County in the north. It includes 7,000 vineyard acres and earned AVA status in 1987. Its proximity to the Pacific Ocean means it gets double the rainfall of nearby inland appellations and the ocean gives the appellation a relatively cool climate. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir can thrive in these conditions, and there are numerous producers making critically acclaimed Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

TYPE

Red Wine, Pinot Noir

This red wine is relatively light and can pair with a wide variety of foods. The grape prefers cooler climates and the wine is most often associated with Burgundy, Champagne and the U.S. west coast. Regional differences make it nearly as fickle as it is flexible.

VINTAGE

2021 Copain Sealift Pinot Noir