Several days ago, I stopped by Copia Vineyards’ in Paso Robles where I tasted a few wines with Varinder Sahi, owner, along with his wife, Anita Sahi. After our tasting, he surprised me with a pour of another stellar wine, 2024 Jhoom ($45), their first chillable red offering (with a story).
The label was enticing with an image of “the whirling dervish, founded by renowned Sufi mystic and poet Rumi in the 13th century.” The whirling dervish, through “ecstatic dance,” symbolizes the belief between a higher power and humanity. Anita Sahi writes that the dance of the dervish connects perfectly to the meaning of “Jhoom.” “The word Jhoom literally means “whirl” or “dance,” but it’s about more than just physical movement. A deeper and more meaningful interpretation of “Jhoom” is one that speaks of acceptance, of surrendering and of letting go to “just be.” A closer glance at the label, shows Copia’s birds dancing too, and reaching for that higher level of understanding.
With that intriguing introduction, I was more than curious to understand what was in the bottle. Varinder explained that Jhoom is 100% Grenache cultivated on the Copia Vineyards estate in Willow Creek AVA of Paso Robles. It was produced using semi-carbonic fermentation. 50% of the Grenache grapes were fermented whole cluster and left untouched for 11 days. Then, the grapes were pressed in tank to complete fermentation after which they were placed in neutral French oak puncheons for 7 months prior to bottling. Only 80 cases have been produced of 2024 Jhoom, a nod to the spirit of the southern Rhone Valley but with a brilliant Paso Robles feel.
In essence, the Grenache grapes were “left to be” during the winemaking process. Anita eloquently wrote, “Our estate Grenache berries and bunches were fermented in an airtight, carbon dioxide-rich environment. The fermentation is consequently intracellular, without any outside intervention from the winemaker. It’s allowed to “just be” and we, as winemakers, accept what is given.” Exactly.
Anita and Varinder Sahi – Photo Credit: Copia Vineyards
Varinder suggested that I give this wine a chill when I return home and I did just that before opening. Frankly, chilling a red wine, especially in the summer when the patio beckons me to bring a glass outside, is the best strategy for ultimate enjoyment!
On the nose, I found aromas of rose petals, bright red cherries, and hint of savory herbs. Flavors on the palate offered more red fruit such as juicy strawberries and raspberries, a French garden of herbs, spice and floral notes, and a lingering finish all wrapped up with lipsmacking acidity and round tannic structure. Honestly, the well priced wine was relaxing to drink and offered joy with each sip.
Of course, 2024 Jhoom has the brilliant ability to be enjoyed with or without food. But how about pairing a few sips with burgers still sizzling off the grill, Mediterranean seafood dishes such as bouillabaise or paella, a goat cheese tart, cheeses and charcuterie, or my favorite: pizza any way you like it?!
It’s your turn to embrace the freedom. Let whatever bothers you, simply waft away. Spend quality moments with friends and family, reconnect with yourself through meditation, open a good book, or pursue a passion that has been calling your name. And as soon as you can, find Copia Vineyards 2024 Jhoom . Just let go.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
“Jo hai tera lab jayega, karke koi bahana.”
(“Whatever is meant to be yours, will use any excuse to find you.”)
~ “Tu Jhoom” songwriters Zulfigar Jabbar Khan & Adnan Dhool
