2003 Copain Pinot Noir Hacienda Secoya Vineyard

From a 3-acre, organically farmed vineyard planted with the Pommard and 115 Dijon clones, the 2003 Pinot Noir Hacienda Secoya is somewhat one-dimensional, but it offers loads of berry fruit along with a touch of flowers. While not complex, it is an elegant Pinot to enjoy over the next 2-3 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