Each week, I like to spotlight a wine that has truly stood out—whether for its unique character, the story behind its creation, or simply the pure joy it brings. This week’s pick – the 2017 Copain Baker Ranch Syrah is no exception.

I’m spotlighting this exceptional wine because… Syrah! It’s my favorite grape variety, and when grown in a cool climate, it truly shines—bringing out the depth, complexity, and vibrant character that brings me joy!

Syrah stands out as my favorite grape for several reasons. Its remarkable versatility in food pairings allows it to complement a wide range of dishes, from grilled meats and roasted vegetables to earthy stews and even spiced dishes. What sets Syrah apart from Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir are its distinctive tasting notes—like black olive, smoked meat, tar, bacon fat, game and graphite—that add complexity, depth, and ferality. Additionally, its peppery, herbal, and savory qualities create an exciting and unique drinking experience. Syrah also offers a diverse range of styles, from powerful, full-bodied expressions in regions like Barossa to more elegant, restrained versions in cooler climates like Northern Rhône, making it a true adventure for the palate.

Copain Wines

Copain Wines was founded in 1999 by winemaker Wells Guthrie with the vision of crafting wines that embody the elegance and balance of California’s cooler climates. Drawing inspiration from his time in Burgundy and the Rhône Valley, Guthrie focused on creating restrained, classic European-inspired wines that express a true sense of place. Nestled in the rolling hills of Healdsburg, Copain became known for its Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Chardonnay, sourced from some of the top vineyards in Anderson Valley, Mendocino, and Sonoma County. Copain’s commitment to regenerative agriculture, minimalist winemaking, and zero-waste practices further reflects their dedication to preserving the land and crafting wines with purity and finesse. In 2016, Copain was acquired by Jackson Family Wines, a move that expanded its reach while maintaining its philosophy of producing wines that showcase the vibrant acidity and distinctive terroir of their cool-climate origins.

We were club members for several years, and I can confidently say they provide a premium tasting experience, paired with some of the most stunning views in Sonoma wine country.

2017 Copain Baker Ranch Syrah

Baker Ranch sits deeper in the Anderson Valley west of the hamlet of Philo, up above the virgin redwood groves of Hendy Woods. The vineyard sits on a mid-elevation east-facing slope on the south side of the valley, on very shallow slate-based soils of the Casabonne-Wohly complex. The soils have a high mineral content and an unusually high pH for California. The vines themselves were planted almost twenty years ago; they are rigorously farmed by the Baker family.(1)

Baker Ranch, tucked away in the Anderson Valley, is a sustainably farmed vineyard that epitomizes cool-climate terroir. This 25% whole-cluster Syrah showcases the best of what a cool-climate Syrah can offer—aromatic, spicy, fresh, and beautifully structured.

Tasting note:

Violet color with aromatic, olive tapenade, blackberry, bacon fat, violet and white pepper aromas. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied with vibrant acidity and chalky tannins with blackberry, blueberry sauce, plum, cacao, and savory spice flavors with a very appealing graphite minerality. Long finish. 100% PInot Noir. Raised in 100% neutral French oak for 14 months. 12.7% abv| SRP – $60|338 cases produced

We paired this wine with Chicken Afritada, a Filipino chicken stew in a savory tomato-based sauce, and it was an wonderful match. Syrah’s versatility shines with grilled dishes like lamb shawarma, gyros, game, sausages, or beef, as well as vegetarian options like grilled portobello mushrooms or eggplant. It’s also a perfect partner for braised meats.

I encourage reader to seek out Copain Wines, particularly if you’re looking cool climate Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah

Sources and resources:

1. Anthill Farms/Our Vineyards; Baker Ranch