Coho Wines : Inspired by Legend

The choice of COHO Wines as the name of the brand might seem curious as it doesn’t invoke images of vineyards or wine, but to them the salmon embodies an innate wisdom so essential to understanding ourselves and our environment. As stewards of the land, winemakers must strive to sustain their habitat and the species that share it. And like the salmon they need the steadfast will to keep going no matter how difficult the journey.

The original inspiration for the name COHO Wines and their commitment to habitat preservation and restoration came from an ancient Celtic legend: the Salmon of Knowledge. Versions of this tale are as many as the Irish grandmothers that have passed them down through the generations. Below is a condensed re-telling compiled from various versions. 

The Legend Behind COHO Wines

According to legend, Cumhall, the great leader of The Fianna, was killed in battle. Fearing that his young son, Fionn, would also be killed, his mother asked two wise women to hide him in a safe place and care for him. Eventually Fionn was brought to the ancient Druid, Finegas, to learn poetry and science.Finegas lived on the banks of the River Boyne, where for many years he had tried in vain to catch the Salmon of Knowledge, Fintan, as anyone who ate it would instantly receive the wisdom of all ages. The salmon lived in a pool surrounded by the nine hazel trees of knowledge. From the nuts of the trees Fintan gained its wisdom. 

One day Finegas finally caught Fintan and gave the fish to Fionn to cook, but asked him not to eat any of it. Fionn cooked the salmon with care, turning it over and over. When it was ready he served it to his master. Finegas could see that the boy’s eyes shined with the light of wisdom. He asked Fionn if he had eaten any of the salmon. Answering no, the boy explained that he touched the fish to see if it was cooked, and burnt his finger. He then put the finger in his mouth to ease the pain. Finegas knew that Fionn had received the wisdom of the salmon, so gave him the fish to eat. Fionn ate the salmon and as he did so he became possessed of all the knowledge of the world. Fionn would return to his home to become the greatest leader The Fianna had ever known and famous throughout Ireland.

COHO Wines is the  aspiration of vintner Gary Lipp to produce flavorful, balanced wines. Grown in select cool-climate vineyards, Coho wines emphasize fruit purity and vitality. Gary has worked  for California wineries for almost thirty-five years: involved in all aspects of the craft, acquiring the skills to bottle his passion.

Current Release:

2014 COHO Wines ‘Headwaters’ Cabernet | $47 | Buy Now

 A focused purity of gorgeous red and blue fruits infuse a core of currant and pomegranate flavors. This is an elegant wine that despite its early approachability will continue to reveal additional complexities for the next five to seven years. 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 11% Petite Verdot. 21 months in 100% French Oak, 40% new for the vintage. Of all the Napa wines We’ve tasted this year, this is without a doubt in the finals for the best value of the year at this price.