Two very nice '10 CA appellation Pinots

Copain “Les Voisins” (Anderson Valley) and Williams Selyem “Sonoma County.” Both around $35, I believe, both under 14% alcohol (the Copain 13.5%, WS 13.9%).

The Copain is lighter and clearly more traditional in style. It’s deep and with a firm acidic grip. Light and lively, but savory, well balanced and complex.

The Williams Selyem gives more of an RRV/Sonoma Coast richness, but gives up nothing in terms of balance and focus.

Two fine examples of a category (appellation Pinot Noir) that California is beginning to excel in.

I really liked that Copain when I opened it last week. The W-S is still in my “pending pick-up” list but we enjoyed an 08 on Saturday that was really pretty.

Here’s another good one - Wind Gap Sonoma Coast. More stylistically aligned with the Copain (13.0% alcohol).

Precise, vibrant and balanced, will only get better with more time in the bottle.