2013 Copain, Chardonnay, DuPratt Vineyard, Anderson Valley.
Wells Guthrie’s DuPratt 2013 Chardonnay is a stunning mineral driven wine that will almost leave you speechless with it’s beautiful detail and poise, this wine is in the same class as some of Burgundy’s rising stars, names like Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey and Robert-Denogent come to mind. Guthrie is part of the In Pursuit of Balance group and was one of the first wave of young winemakers to dial back alcohol levels in search of beauty, ageworthiness and fresh vitality, that brave change is now paying off in great fashion. This is gorgeous and steely DuPratt Chardonnay that has low natural alcohol, leesy complexity and textural grace and vibrant focused flavors, and while Copain Anderson Valley Pinots are wonderful, it would be foolish to overlook this fantastic Chardonnay, at a recent tasting in fact all of the selections of Copain from Rose to Syrah were world class examples of varietal and terroir, I must say this was impressive and it was one of the best showings of a California lineup I can remember! The 2013 DuPratt starts with liquid mineral, white flowers, citrus and stone fruits with a pale greenish/gold tint in the glass, this vivid and distinctive Chardonnay slows unfolds in layers of green apple, pear and white peach along with classic lemon curd, dried honey, hazelnut and wet rocks with saline, clove and toasty brioche and light vanilla. This vibrant white has everything you’d want in a fine Puligny or St. Aubin, but is all Anderson Valley, flying the California flag proudly with sublime quality, this wine is right up there with Peter Michael, Kongsgaard and Aubert on the pleasure and artisan level, it may not be as dense as some, but it sure as hell is as good, drink from 2016 to 2024. Be sure not to pass up a chance to try the Copain Chardonnay, and Guthrie’s Volnay like Kiser Vineyard En Haut Anderson Valley Pinot Noir, this are very special wines that don’t come around too often.
($47 Est.) 94+ Points, grapelive
