Description

Copain Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

Copain’s appellation-focused wines aim to let the vineyard speak for itself. The winemaking approach is intentionally hands-off, avoiding anything that might mask the character of the land, and each vintage’s blend is crafted to highlight both the site and the growing season that shaped it.

The Sonoma Coast ranks among the most remarkable winegrowing regions anywhere, and Copain focuses much of its estate farming within what’s commonly called the True Sonoma Coast, the western stretch running along coastal ridgelines from the Sonoma-Mendocino county line down to Bodega Bay. The estate’s Sealift and Tidal Break vineyards are planted here, drawing on the area’s distinctive soils, elevation, and closeness to the Pacific to produce standout Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah.

This bottling offers an unusual but striking take on Pinot Noir from the far reaches of the Sonoma Coast, with black cherry, pomegranate, and orange peel aromas that leap from the glass. The palate is concentrated without feeling heavy, showing clove, cardamom, and raspberry pie filling. There’s enough structure and complexity here to age 5 to 7 years, though the wine already opens up nicely with a bit of swirling. It pairs well with mushroom risotto, sesame chicken, or Korean gochujang noodles.

The 2021 growing season began with a dry winter, leaving the North Coast with below-average rainfall and putting vines under early water stress, which held back vigor and limited yields. A cool summer ultimately worked in the wine’s favor, allowing the small clusters to ripen slowly and evenly without the dehydration that can lead to overripe, heavy flavors. The result is a vintage with added concentration in both color and flavor, an unusual year that turned out exceptionally well.

Copain Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir Notes to Your Senses:

• APPEARANCE: Ruby red, typical of Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
• AROMA: Black cherry, pomegranate, and orange peel aromas that leap from the glass
• TASTE: Concentrated but not thick, with flavors of clove, cardamom, and raspberry pie filling
• FINISH: Layered and complex, with enough structure to cellar for 5 to 7 years
• ABV: 13.2%