PRODUCER: Dupuis Wines
REGION: Anderson Valley, Mendocino County, California, USA
WINEMAKERS: Wells Guthrie
Wells Guthrie has built a career crafting some of California's most terroir-driven and food-centric wines. His journey began as a tasting coordinator for the Wine Spectator, where he delved into the mechanics of the wine industry. This experience ignited his passion for winemaking, leading him to depart for France. While there, he apprenticed for two years with the renowned Rhône vintner, Michel Chapoutier as well as stints with Dujac, and Mugnier. Working in both the winery and vineyards, he gained insights into the centuries-old techniques of French winemaking, specialising in Burgundy and Northern Rhône varietals, as well as biodynamics.
WINERY HISTORY
Upon returning to California, Wells and his wife founded Copain, garnering praise for their Syrahs. However, Guthrie yearned for a different approach, inspired by the restrained northern Rhone examples. In 2003, he made a bold move to produce Pinot Noir, choosing to pick early, resulting in wines under 12% alcohol, a revelation in the industry.
After two decades of success and growth, Wells sold Copain in 2015, but soon realised that his vision for stripped back winemaking clashed with the demands of his corporate sponsors. Deciding to start anew, he made the decision to purchase a 16ha estate in Anderson Valley, where he planted 3ha of Pinot Noir. Thus DuPuis was born, embodying his philosophy and commitment to small-scale, hands-on winemaking.
Nicknamed "Puis" during his time in Burgundy, the name DuPuis translates to "Of Wells." This boutique winery operates with a tight-knit team, including Wells and his sole employee, with occasional help from his wife and family. DuPuis wines exclusively showcase the Anderson Valley's greatness, a true testament to Wells Guthrie's dedication and craftsmanship.
VITICULTURE & WINEMAKING
The goal at DuPuis is to highlight the diversity and uniqueness of the Anderson Valley as a whole. All the bottlings are crafted from vineyards across the valley, with Wells sourcing fruit from his own estate as well as a variety of small producers in the valley. Each of these sites is farmed organically, and many are vineyards that Wells has long coveted and admired. Emphasis on meticulous crop management produces terroir-driven wines of outstanding purity and precision.
He not only produces staggeringly good classics like Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Chardonnay, but also stunning blends of Trousseau and Poulsard that serve as demonstration of his unparalleled vision. In the cellar, Wells has stripped back much of his winemaking process. Winemaking is minimally interventionist, characterized by restraint and natural fermentations. Reds receive once daily pump overs and punch downs during fermentation, before seeing 20 months aging in French oak barrique. Testaments to Wells’ expertise and capability, these are among the most exciting wines we have tasted in years. Indeed, these wines serve as a sort of barometer for California’s return to the top of the winemaking game, a remarkable departure from decades of critic and score-induced oblivion. They are also wonderful standard bearers for the Anderson Valley, each of his single vineyard Pinot Noirs displaying the region’s varied terroir.
IN THE PRESS
"The lighter alcohol, more delicate and food friendly wines he makes and champions are now considered among the best our state makes. At Dupuis, Wells is proving once and again that he is a master craftsman and farmer dedicated to the most elegant expression of the Mendocino Coast." - Lee Madueno, Flat Iron
