Copain “Tous Ensemble” Alexander Valley 2014 Chardonnay
Copain Wines is perched on a hill overlooking the serenely beautiful Russian River Valley. Winemaker Wells Guthrie discovered early on that his taste in wine gravitated toward Europe in general and France’s Rhône Valley in particular. So much so, he picked up and moved with his new bride to the region to learn from the best. For two years, Wells apprenticed for esteemed winemaker and living legend Michel Chapoutier in France’s Rhone Valley. During that time, Wells was deeply inspired by the traditions and practices of French winemaking, not to mention the European attitude that wine is an essential part of life. At Copain Wines, he creates wines that are firmly rooted in California, yet with the sensibilities of the European wines that so moved him. He is as committed to crafting these elegant, nuanced wines as he is to building a legacy that will be passed down to his daughters in the great tradition of European winemakers whose estates have been in the same family for generations.
Copain’s 2014 Tous Ensemble Chardonnay was fermented in a combination of stainless steel and neutral oak barrels. Bright straw yellow color with crisp stone fruit aromas with light white floral scents. Flavors of green apple, lemon and melon show up on the palate, along with vivid acidity, this well balanced wine finished crisp with wet stone nuances. Delicate and refreshing, good value.
Cheers!