Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine

March is the month that Rhône varieties get their chance to shine, and, in this outing, shine they do. Syrah and Viognier have become staples at the tables of discerning consumers of California wines, and Grenache, which is being justifiably met with new marketplace interest, makes a particularly fine showing this month, so much so, in fact, that it gets top billing in this issue.

2017 The Source

90% Syrah, 10% Grenache. As much as we enjoy revisiting the wines of proven producers each year, the discovery of talented new ones is equally satisfying, and Copia’s inaugural appearance in the pages of Connoisseurs’ Guide is an auspicious one to say the least. “The Source” is a very well-made Syrah that leads with abundant, very deep, optimally ripened, blackberry fruit, and, as it unfolds, its variety’s mildly meaty, slightly peppery traits appear as does a judicious dollop of enriching oak. It is big and balanced with a very long finish, and it is structured to age wonderfully for five or more years. - 92 Points

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2017 The Cure

47% Grenache; 30% Syrah; 19% Mourvèdre; 2% Roussanne; 2% Grenache Blanc. Rhône blends are often more than just the sum of the parts. They seem, at times, to reach beyond their bits and achieve unique synergy in France, Australia and more recently here in California. With a darker color than Grenache alone can achieve to its deeper level of extracted fruit, this rich, ripe bottling combines red berry notes with hints of loam, spice and the lifting presence of creamy oak. It does not demand long aging but is capable of holding for a half-decade. - 91 Points