2020 DuPuis Wines “Estate” Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley, California

ABOUT THIS WINE

High altitude vineyard at 1200+ feet. Vinified in whole clusters, and aged in neutral french oak.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Wells Guthrie, who has reached acclaim in the food-and-wine world, has produced some of Californias most terroir-driven and food-centric wines. His introduction to wine was through his role as a tasting coordinator for the Wine Spectator where he learned the mechanics of an influential wine magazine. Having been granted access to all limbs of the wine industry, Wells became driven to make wine himself. So, he and his wife shipped off to France where Guthrie spent two years apprenticing with prominent Rhne vintner, Michel Chapoutier. Wells worked for Chapoutier for two seasons in both the winery and vineyards learning about the northern Rhne varietals and biodynamics. Upon returning home, he and his wife established Copain, and his Syrahs began to garner top scores from critics. Guthrie was an ascending star, and his top wines were described as “blockbuster,” with “enormous richness and massive fruit extract.” There was just one problem: Guthrie found that his own wines shared even less in common with the restrained northern Rhone examples he was weaned on. So, when James Atwood of San Francisco’s Rose Pistola challenged Guthrie to dial down a bit, the winemaker was game for an experiment. He was willing to trade less ripeness for “more energy” in his wines, even if those wines might be a tough cultural sell.

In 2003, Wells decided to make his first vintage of Pinot Noir, and against the positive reinforcement of the market, he decided to pick early. This was a wildly untamed decision at that time but was met with great reward. Copain began to garner a new kind of attention, one for an old-world technique that resulted in Pinot Noirs that were clocking in under 12% alcohol a revelation! “I did what I thought was best for the wines at the time,” Guthrie says. “It turned out to be the best thing I ever did.” After two decades of immense success and growth, Wells sold Copain to the Jackson Family Estate in 2015. Wells stayed on as winemaker, but this was not destined to last for long. His vision for what could begin to rub up against the needs of a multinational corporate owner and so he made the decision to move his family to a 40-acre estate in Anderson Valley, plant seven acres of Pinot Noir, and start all over again.

It was in Burgundy that he picked up the nickname “Puis” which means “well” or “wells” in Old French. The name of his new brand, Du Puis, means Of Wells. These wines are a true embodiment of all that Wells stands for. He spends his days working beside his sole employee in the vineyard and winery, with added help from his wife, Kate, and family when duty calls. His wines are purely sourced from Anderson Valley with the sole vision of continuing to explore and elevate the greatness that exists in this valley.