In the past, our interest in wine mainly centered on individual preference. Whether it was white, rosé, or red, we simply savored the flavors without delving deep into the reasons behind our choices. It was all about personal taste and appearance, with no profound connections made. However, things have evolved significantly over a short period.
Recently, we were introduced to three distinct wine bottles. To explore the nuanced flavors of these wines originating from the Copper Cane Vineyards spanning across central California to the northern reaches of Oregon, we decided to share them with our group of weekend neighbors, who happened to be scholars. We anticipated diverse perceptions and varied taste experiences among them.
The first bottle was the Elouan Chardonnay, a pale yellow wine that stood out with its unique flavors. Instead of the typical notes of clover honey and pineapple/Asian Pear found in other premium Chardonnays, the initial sensation on the palate was a subtle mineral undertone, evoking memories and awakening our senses. It reminded us of a wine from the Alto Douro region in Portugal known as Schist. Originating from higher elevations in Tarouca, unlike the Vinho Verde Portuguese Estate varietals, these wines had a slightly tangy and wild quality, akin to freshly picked Winesap apples with hints of ripe Bosc Pear.
The terroir of Elouan set it apart, hailing from the western coastal regions of Oregon rather than the more common regions like Napa or Sonoma in California. The wine almost embodied the essence of the Oregon coast, where the vibrant Chard grapes thrived. This unique quality was further accentuated by one of our neighbors, a Ph.D. Entomologist, who discerned a subtle acidity resembling the taste of insect wings – an unexpected but intriguing observation!
Following this was the meticulously presented Pinot Noir, Belle Glos, with a decorative red wax seal. The grapes were nurtured in the Clark & Telephone Vineyard near the intersection of Clark Avenue and Telephone Road within the Santa Maria Valley. Situated in a distinct area cooled by oceanic winds and fog from the nearby Santa Maria River channel, this terroir provided an ideal environment for the growth of these grapes. Formally a dairy farm, the vineyard’s previous use likely contributed to the richness of the Pinot Noir grapes. Our experience with Pinot Noirs in New Zealand along the Otago Wine Road echoed the quality of this Belle Glos. The wine exuded classic Pinot characteristics: notes of red and black currant, chokecherry, blueberry, and a touch of cold cranberry. We learned that the Pinot grapes underwent de-stemming without crushing, and the skins were cold-soaked for two weeks before the extraction process.
The group unanimously found the wine delightful, especially appreciating the red wax seal on the bottle. They were able to pick up on nuances that we had missed. The Ph.D. Virologist identified the tangy oakiness from the barrel, alongside distinct black currant and black raspberry flavors. Some even claimed to taste the essence of the fruity skins, a poetic notion we found somewhat perplexing.
To cap off the evening, we indulged in a red varietal from Threadcount originating from the Napa Valley Quilt Vineyard. This particular varietal had ascended to luxury status over a short period, standing out from wines like Pinot Noir or Cabernet with its unique character. With a deep crimson hue and distinct dark fruit undertones including flavors of Mission Fig, boysenberry, and ripe elderberry, this red wine left a lasting impression due to its harmonious blend of flavors. Its terroirs were situated in Sonoma County or Lodi, in the northern region of the Central Valley of California. Lodi’s wine-producing areas thrived in warm days, cool breezes, and low humidity, blending sandy loam and granite-based soils to define a unique terroir for cultivating a wide array of grape varietals.
Our gathering delved into the predominant flavor profiles of the Threadcount wine. The Environmental Arborist was adamant about detecting an essence of ripe elderberry, while the Entomologist insisted on a dominant note of purple raspberry. However, they all agreed on the remarkable balance showcased by each wine. Despite originating from diverse terroirs – Elouan Chard from the Oregon coast, Belle Glos Pinot from the Santa Maria River valley in central California, and Threadcount from Lodi and Sonoma – each wine carried its unique soil characteristics impacted by different moisture levels, agricultural practices, and fertilization methods. The history of cultivation or fallowing of the land also played a significant role in determining what thrives, flourishes, and eventually makes its way into the bottle.
As we explored the wines crafted at Copper Cane Vineyards, our admiration deepened as we unearthed the distinct terroirs of these regions, understanding how the soil and climate factors shape the wines’ individual identities from Copper Cane Vineyard.
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