Niebaum-Coppola – 76
Monday, May 16th, 2005
My blogging was erratic the past few weeks as I was busy with the Intermediate coursework of the Wine and Spirits Education Trust being taught through Copia. I met some amazing people, both professionals in the industry and wine-devoted amateurs. One special classmate in particular, David Meyer, works at Niebaum-Coppola and invited us all over for a private tasting after we completed our exam last Saturday. I readily accepted the invitation by sheer force of needing to delve further into the mystery of Coppola. Of course I had heard of it and the grandeur that exists, but was it all a movie director’s ability to smokescreen?
I had long known that Francis Ford Coppola purchased what could arguably be one of the most historically important pieces of land in the Napa Valley. After all, it was once home to the famed Inglenook Winery which, before being relegated to the auspices of cheap jug wine, was known for exceptional wines that could rival the French.
Francis Ford has done a fabulous thing in restoring the property in that he has gone above and beyond in creating a true palace and museum. For the non-wine drinker, there is not only history of the property and the wine industry, but also an amazing history of the cinema with antique zoetropes, and an accounting of Coppola’s own film success with movie memorabilia including one of the original Tucker automobiles. Entering the historic chateau, it is impossible to not be impressed with the grand staircase which greats you and I was told that it is known as the "million-dollar staircase" constructed entirely from joinery (no nails) and was finished with 16 grades of sandpaper and tung oil (no varnish).
The gift area is a tad deceptive as there seems to be three or four — or was that five? — of them. I couldn’t help but be reminded of Disneyland with the over-the-top, opulent displays mixed with both expensive, hand-crafted items and the silliest of tschotskes. Fortunately for me, I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for Disnelyland so I was having fun, buying miniature absinthe glasses…
But before all this glamor and glitz, I came to taste wine and also put aside some misconceptions. I thought I had previously tasted one — maybe two — early Coppola bottlings that I found less than stellar, but now I am not so sure and will willingly eat crow.
2003 Director’s Reserve Chardonnay – 60% malo which spends 60 months in French oak as well as stainless. Unfortunately, the wine had been set-up before our arrival and was overchilled to be able to discern anything notable. $27.00
2004 Director’s Reserve Sauvignon Blanc – 100% stainless steel shows hints of grass and citrus. The mouth-entry produced rich grapefruit which warmed and heightened on the finish. $19.00
Pinot – I didn’t write down the exact label, assuming I would get the information on their website, but it apparently does not exist online. I do know it is a Carneros vineyard grown from clone 667 and 777. It shows a clear, ruby color with an intense fruit, berry bouquet. The mouthfeel is soft and balanced with a decisive, mineral finish. $34.00
2002 Estate Zinfandel – David poured this wine a special favor, indicating it is no longer for sale. Named after Francis Ford’s maternal grandfather, Edizione Pennino, the label was designed after Edizione’s music label. The grapes come from 45-year-old head-pruned vines and shows a wine that is almost purple in color with spicy fruit in the nose. The dark, spicy fruit continued in its flavors with the faintest hints of red bell pepper on the finish. $35.00
2002 Estate Merlot - Hearkening back to their history, David told us that Inglenook was the first to grow Merlot in the valley and the second winery to bottle it. This offering is elegant with blackberries, black raspberries, and black plums mixing with spice to create an enticing apprehension. The flavors mix this dark fruit with hints of dry twigs in an aplomb of elegance. $44.00
2001 Rubicon – Coppola’s flagship wine which came about after Francis Ford himself tasted the epiphany of the now infamous ’41 Inglenook. This vintage is a blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot. Layered aromas of dark cassis, cocoa, and the classic "Rutherford dust," displays hints of wood and the barest tease of green bell pepper before showing some brighter cherry. The soft entry was well-balanced and elegant, repeating the cocoa tones with more expressive coffee notes which played well with a continuation of the cherry and cassis. At a full 30 months in French oak, the wine could easily be cellared for another twenty years. $100.00
Niebaum-Coppola Estate Vineyards and Winery ~ 1991 St. Helena Highway ~ Rutherford ~ CA ~ 94573 ~ 800-RUBICON