2021 The Source
"To be a champion, compete;
to be a great champion, compete with the best;
but to be the greatest champion, compete with yourself"
- Matshona Dhliwayo
Vineyards
Copia Vineyards Willow Creek Estate | Paso Robles Willow Creek District
Thompson Vineyard | Alisos Canyon
Bien Nacido Vineyard | Santa Maria Valley
Tasting Notes
The Source embodies our love of blending cooler climate Syrah with our own Estate Syrah. What results is a full-bodied journey brimming with violets, blackberries, peppercorn, smoked meat and tobacco. It's a multi-layered gem for the cellar.
Winemaking
Grapes were carefully berry and cluster sorted, 90% destemmed and 10% whole cluster, fermented in stainless steel. Syrah and Viognier were co-fermented. After a cold maceration of 5 days, daily punch-downs, pump-overs and pneumotage were conducted.
Winemaker Comments
This is the very first harvest from Copia's Willow Creek Estate Vineyard, which, geographically speaking, backs into Terry Hogue's TH Estate Vineyard and L'Aventure's Arbor Road Vineyard. This harvest was very similar to becoming new parents, complete with dreams of perfection and lack of sleep. We are very happy with the quality of the fruit of this first harvest.
2021 The Source is composed of 50% Paso Robles Willow Creek District vineyards (Denner, Copia) and 50% cooler climate Syrah from Alisos Canyon (Thompson) and Santa Maria Valley (Bien Nacido Vineyard).
Ratings
96 pts - The Somm Journal | "...releases a flow of violets, plum, and velvet cream surrounding a salty middle. Juicy and vibrant, with round tannins."
94-96+ pts - Jeb Dunnuck | " ... sensational looking barrel sample ... there's a subtle Northern Rhone-like character here, but it brings serious amounts of classic California fruit and opulence."
93 pts - Owen Bargreen | "The color is very deep, as this has beautifully perfumed aromatics of violets, tar and menthol alongside rich dark fruits. The palate is fresh and neatly textured, showing good weight and verve. Drink 2024-2032."
93 pts - Wine Enthusiast
Food Pairing
Lamb Korma Meatballs - Chef Kendall Mousley