As a fifth-generation Napa Valley winemaker, Joseph Wagner learned his way around a vineyard long before he could drink wine. He started by working alongside his father at Caymus Vineyards. In 2001, he created Belle Glos and more recently, he has launched a number of new brands under Copper Cane Wines & Provisions.
Böen draws its profile from the varied coastal wine-growing areas among California’s most sought-after cool-climate appellations. The stretch of Sonoma, Monterey, and Santa Barbara Counties along the coastline is so geographically diverse that the various soil types, sub-climates, and elevations produce wines with an array of differences in character and style.
The 2020 vintage began with warmer temperatures throughout the region from January to March caused by very little rainfall. The end of March into April saw mildly wet weather allowing the soil to replenish resulting in even bud-break. May and June brought warmer weather yielding an average crop. Harvesting began in early September and lasted about 3 weeks.
A majority of the grapes, 68%, come from Sonoma County giving ripe stone fruit and a creaminess to the wine. Monterey County brings bright citrus aromatics and crisp acidity with its 18%. Santa Barbara County rounds out the remaining 14% with its rich texture and minerality. All of these give the wine a pale straw color with a nose of juicy pineapple, lychee, white plum, honey, and nectarine. The palate gives off a buttered brioche toast roundness followed by peach and mango. The creaminess is balanced back nicely with acidity that delivers a long, mouthwatering finish. Pair this wine with light white fish like a baked sole or steamed mussels.