2006 Copain Pinot Noir Kiser En Haut

The 2006 Pinot Noir Kaiser En Haut is slightly more charming, but again in a tight, ungiving, unrelenting style. It seems to raise more reservations about overall balance than charm and succulence.. One of my favorite California wine producers, Wells Guthrie, like a champion truffle-hunting dog, seems to unearth top vineyards for his wines. The other 2006 Pinots I tasted, as well as the 2007s, all seem austere, rather attenuated in the finish, and essentially angular. While obviously less charming and fleshy in their youth, I doubt they will age any better since there is not a whole lot of flesh on them. Part of this can be explained by the vintage of 2006, but that wouldn’t explain the same stylistic orientation of the 2007s. Turning to the 2007s, I think these are overall superior wines because of the better vintage. The 2007 Syrahs range from excellent to outstanding, and this seems to be Wells Guthrie’s strongest suit, as it has been in previous vintages. Tel. (707) 541-7474; Fax (707) 541-7575

Deep red. Spicy raspberry and dark cherry on the nose, with subtle spices and herbs adding complexity. Firm red fruit flavors are braced by youthful acidity and dusty tannins, opening slowly to reveal deeper, darker fruit character. Leaves a spicy quality on the finish, which offers good sweetness and grip. A bit ungiving right now but promising.