2003 Copain Syrah James Berry Vineyard
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An astonishing effort, the 2003 Syrah James Berry Vineyard (the home vineyard of Saxum planted on fractured limestone soils) possesses a dense purple color as well as an extraordinary nose of incense, Asian spices, black tea, blackberries, and cassis. The soaring aromas are followed by staggeringly majestic, full-bodied, multilayered, and enormously well-endowed flavors. It will be even better with 1-2 years of bottle age, and should last for 12-15 years. It’s hard not to enjoy a visit with Wells Guthrie given his enthusiasm and passion for accessing top-notch vineyards and producing high quality wines. His impressive resume includes positions with Michel Chapoutier and Gerard Chave as well as a short stint as a journalist for The Wine Spectator. Guthrie is one of the Rhone Ranger mavericks who utilizes considerable stems in his winemaking as well as a variety of barrels, ranging from small casks to the large, 600-liter demi-muids. Such Old World winemaking techniques as minimal intervention, natural yeast fermentations, and no fining or filtration has resulted in thrilling wines of undeniable character and personality. Tel. (707) 541-7474; Fax (707) 541-7575
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(from vines planted on shale soil with a limestone component) Deep, bright ruby. High-toned aromas of blackberry, licorice and tar. Dense but juicy, with firm-edged, sappy flavors of black fruits and spices. The limestone in the soil gives this syrah excellent mid-palate energy and lift. Still quite youthfully unevolved, finishing with firm, building tannins. This has the lowest pH of the Copain 2003 syrahs at 3.5, with alcohol of 14.8%. Like the pair of wines from Garys ' Vineyard, this will not be released until the spring of 2006.