August 8, 2022 - Some of my "original" Copains ('99-04 vintages) have been a mixed bag, partly because they wouldn't ship to NY in those days, so I had them delivered to CA where they sat in an oft-warm apartment in Palo Alto for several months. I'm pretty sure this was purchased at retail, however, and stored well since release. In any case, this was in great shape, extremely youthful in color and nose, with a fruit profile leaning more toward the black than red end of the spectrum. Full-bodied and a bit brawny, lots of fruit here. This was clearly made in the higher octane style before Wells' shift toward more balanced/restrained wines beginning with the '06 vintage. Nonetheless, this was a pleasant surprise and aging well.
July 4, 2020 - Last of the 3 bottles I purchased at a recent auction.
Opened this for a small 4th of July BBQ and the group loved it. Ripe style for sure, but this still delivers pleasure and worked well with BBQ fare.
May 16, 2020 - 14.2% abv.
This showed even better than the last bottle. There was no reductive stink on the pop 'n pour. Relatively full-bodied and deep, with a note of oak and enough acidity to keep things in balance. Oak seems more integrated than the last bottle six months ago -- still a touch more oakiness than I prefer -- but overall very enjoyable. Still plenty of fruit. Based on this bottle, this is in a very good drinking window and can develop even further. I hope my 3rd (last bottle) is in as good of shape as this bottle. Nowhere near past prime for my palate.
January 22, 2020 - For its age it tasted ok, obviously it was way past its prime but was drinkable.
November 8, 2019 - Recent auction purchase.
Some stink on the pop 'n pour. Poured a small glass and seemed muddled. It was late, so I vacuum sealed the bottle and waited to try the next day. However, I got sick and didn't try it again for another two days. No worries, this showed very well. As previous notes indicate, this is ripe Pinot, deep and rich, but with a good acidic streak, which kept it in balance. There is also some overt oak contributing to the full body feel of this wine which detracted a bit for me. Probably not a problem for most, though.
Overall, another good Copain from the full-throttle era that is aging very well. Only the oak kept me from scoring this above 90.
March 2, 2019 - Another Saturday at Chevalier...Mostly Blind New World Pinot Noir (Chevalier Fine Wines - Chicago IL): Double blind in New World Pinot Noir tasting. Rich black fruit that is still nicely bright for its age. Clearly ripe, but also well balanced with good depth.
July 3, 2016 - nasty oxidized nose at the pop. Decanted and it all blew off. First experience with Cali Pinot with this much age. Well balanced and delightful
March 29, 2012 - aged really well...great meal wine. all its qualities are suble in nature but are elevated with the marriage of food. not amazing secondary flavors but really solid combined with good length, structure and mouthfeel. exceeded expectations based on first two bottles and this was before Wells changed styles so will be curious to see a post 06 pinot at this age.
April 13, 2011 - Dark cherry color. Eucalyptus nose with brooding cherry, earth, meat, and oak flavors. Nice balance with lots of acidity and tannin to keep some structure.
June 7, 2010 - CHERRIES IN THE NOSE AND FLAVOR WITH A MEDIUM LENGTH FINISH.