Coravin is a product that keeps remaining wine fresh. By inserting needles directly into the cork without removing it, it extracts wine, and argon gas fills the empty space in the bottle, preventing oxidation and extending the wine’s freshness for several years.
Let me introduce the background of how I discovered the product, the process of purchasing it, and how to use it.
Last summer, I went on a Napa Valley winery tour. Among them, when the Alpha Omega Winery staff poured wine, he used a peculiar device to pour the wine without removing the cork. So I asked what it was.
“It’s Coravin, a clever device that prevents wine oxidation and keeps it fresh,” he said.
I was so intrigued that I immediately searched for it. It looked fantastic. However, I wondered if it would be useful for me. I don’t usually have the problem of leftover wine because I tend to finish it within a day or two. When I do have half a bottle left, I usually use a vacuum pump to remove the air, then store it upright in the fridge. I find that it tastes even better the next day.
Still, as a self-proclaimed wine lover, I decided to purchase it for those times when I want to compare and taste several bottles of wine at once.
Table of Contents
1. Coravin Model 3: The Most Valuable Model
Coravin offers a variety of models, including Pivot, 3, 6, and 11. I decided to pass on the 11 model, which seemed flashy with its Bluetooth feature and higher price tag. Among the options, the 3 and 6 models differ mainly in material (plastic vs. metal) and the number of components – argon capsules, screw caps. Functionally, they are the same.
I opted for a practical and functional choice. The “Model 3 Plus” caught my eye, especially since it was the model used by the Alpha Omega Winery staff. However, I discovered the older version of the “Model 3” and preferred its design over the “Model 3 Plus.” With a more appealing design and a reasonable price, I decided to make the purchase. The main difference between the “Model 3 Plus” and the older “Model 3” lies in the components. The “Model 3” comes with two argon capsules and one wine screw cap, which I found appealing due to its simple configuration.
I felt that an aerator might not be necessary, as it seems to spray the wine, which could potentially waste precious wine by splattering it onto the glass.😆 Besides, there are other aerators available, so I decided to try those instead. Additionally, I didn’t see myself needing the premium screw cap for a lifetime of wine drinking. The “Model 3” isn’t listed on the Coravin website, so it seems to be discontinued officially. However, I found it occasionally on Amazon. After thorough searching, I purchased it from clubjeroboam.com for $150.
2. Four of Bordeaux’s Finest Wines: Ducru Beaucaillou, Lynch Bages, Calon Ségur, Monbousquet
A few months later, I finally decided to taste four 2018 vintages from Bordeaux. Although a bit young, I felt a bit uneasy since I hadn’t had the chance to use my Coravin since its purchase. Thankfully, my first use went smoothly and I look forward to using it more often.
For this tasting, I used tasting glasses from a previous Wine Academy course. I filled them with about 50ml of wine and labeled each glass base with the initials of the wine. Since the colors of the wines were similar, it was necessary to differentiate them.
The wines I chose to taste are as follows (from right to left in the photo below):
Right Bank: Monbousquet Left Bank: Calon Ségur, Lynch Bages, Ducru-Beaucaillou
After pouring the wine and removing the Coravin, I checked that the needle holes in the cork were completely sealed, then carefully laid the bottles back in the cellar for storage. As advertised by Coravin, the wine should remain unchanged even if consumed much later, hopefully.🤞
3. Tasting Order
The right bank of the Bordeaux wine region is well-known for its cool clay soil, which is particularly suited for growing Merlot grapes. This results in wines that are rich and plush, with a velvety texture. On the other hand, the left bank is characterized by its warm gravel soil, which is ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon. The wines from this area are structured and tannic, with a remarkable aging potential.
Consequently, the tasting order is thoughtfully arranged to transition smoothly from the softer, fruitier Merlot-based wines of the right bank to the bolder, more tannic Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines of the left bank. Within the left bank, the tasting journey is further refined by moving from north to south, offering a nuanced exploration of the region’s diverse terroir and winemaking styles. I expected that this arrangement ensured a coherent tasting experience, highlighting the unique qualities and expressions of each bank and its respective grape varieties.
- Monbousquet (Saint-Émilion: Right Bank)
- Calon Ségur (Saint-Estèphe: Left Bank)
- Lynch Bages (Pauillac: Left Bank)
- Ducru-Beaucaillou (Saint-Julien: Left Bank)
4. Tasting Notes
Overall, it was a fantastic experience tasting these highly-rated wines. However, I regretted not allowing sufficient breathing time for these relatively young 2018 vintages. Next time, I plan to take a more leisurely approach.
Right Bank:
- Monbousquet: Mainly Merlot, this wine was surprisingly robust and intense, likely due to insufficient breathing after pouring. It exhibited rich aromas of black cherry, plum, and a hint of mocha, with a full-bodied palate and firm tannins. As it opened up, notes of licorice and earthy undertones emerged, adding complexity to the wine.
Left Bank:
- Calon Ségur: A classic Saint-Estèphe, this wine showcased a powerful structure with pronounced blackcurrant, cedar, and graphite aromas. The palate was dense with flavors of dark fruits, tobacco, and a touch of mineral notes, supported by firm tannins and a long, elegant finish.
- Lynch Bages: Often referred to as the “poor man’s Mouton Rothschild,” this Pauillac was vibrant and full-bodied, with intense aromas of cassis, blackberries, and a subtle spiciness. The palate revealed layers of black fruits, sweet tobacco, and vanilla, with a solid tannic backbone and a lingering finish.
- Ducru-Beaucaillou: This Saint-Julien wine stood out for its elegance and refinement. It offered a bouquet of blackcurrant, violets, and a touch of pencil shavings. On the palate, it was smooth and well-balanced, with flavors of ripe dark fruits, cocoa, and a hint of minerality, leading to a silky, persistent finish.
Interestingly, when I retasted Monbousquet after a few days, it had transformed significantly. The Merlot’s rich red fruit aroma and softer tannins made it incredibly enjoyable, leading me to finish the entire bottle.
5. Final Thoughts on Coravin
After a few days, I uncorked the Calon Ségur and poured it into the decanter. The wine left in the bottle was still as fresh as new.👍🏻 As it breathed in the decanter, its aroma and taste evolved beautifully over time. In the end, while Coravin is a clever tool, it’s best suited for when you want to enjoy a bottle of wine slowly over a few days or months, or when tasting multiple wines simultaneously, as in this post.
For someone like me, a wine lover who feels compelled to finish a bottle once opened 🤣, I find more enjoyment in decanting a single bottle or experiencing the rapid changes in flavor through bottle aging. Ultimately, while Coravin is undoubtedly a great product depending on the situation, I find myself not using it frequently. It’s been almost a year since I bought it, and I haven’t even replaced the default argon capsule yet…😂
For those interested in Bordeaux left bank wines, check out my post about Châteaux Montrose 2017 and Château Kirwan 2020