2003 Copain Syrah Hawks Butte

The awesome 2003 Syrah Hawk’s Butte, is, like the Eaglepoint Ranch cuvee, performing even better out of bottle than it did from cask. An inky/purple-colored, profound Syrah with a layered mouthfeel, and a huge nose of pen ink, blackberry liqueur, graphite, and flowers, it boasts full body, sensational concentration, and a blockbuster finish. It will benefit from another 1-2 years of bottle age, and last for 10-12 years, possibly longer. 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