2007 Copain Pinot Noir Kiser En Bas
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
Vivid red. Deeper and darker in character than the En Haut, displaying scents of black raspberry, boysenberry and cola, with a suave undercurrent of minerals adding vivacity. Deeply concentrated dark berry flavors stain the palate and pick up a sexy cola element on the back end. Finishes with very good focus and a lingering note of cherry-cola. I marginally prefer the energy of the En Haut today.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2007 Pinot Noir Kaiser En Bas displays crisp red currant and pomegranate notes, some attractive crushed rock and spring flowers, medium body, zesty acids, and a relatively short, compact finish. (Not yet released) One of my favorite California wine producers, Wells Guthrie, like a champion truffle-hunting dog, seems to unearth top vineyards for his wines. The other 2006 Pinots I tasted, as well as the 2007s, all seem austere, rather attenuated in the finish, and essentially angular. While obviously less charming and fleshy in their youth, I doubt they will age any better since there is not a whole lot of flesh on them. Part of this can be explained by the vintage of 2006, but that wouldn’t explain the same stylistic orientation of the 2007s. Turning to the 2007s, I think these are overall superior wines because of the better vintage. The 2007 Syrahs range from excellent to outstanding, and this seems to be Wells Guthrie’s strongest suit, as it has been in previous vintages. Tel. (707) 541-7474; Fax (707) 541-7575