Radio-Coteau Savoy Vineyard Pinot Noir 2016
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Jeb
Dunnuck -
Wine &
Spirits
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Jeb Dunnuck
There are just over 300 cases of the 2016 Pinot Noir Savoy, which sees only a touch of stems as they feel this site is already structured enough. It's aged in one-third new French oak. Some tart cherry, strawberry, and even a touch of blue fruits emerge from the glass, and it has a solid sense of soil, mineral, and earth as well as a floral hint. Silky, medium-bodied, elegant, with nicely integrated tannins, it fleshes out nicely with time in the glass, but it's certainly one of the more structured wines in the lineup. Give it a year or three and it should keep for a decade.
Rating: 93+ -
Wine & Spirits
A textural pleasure, this is generous and creamy, with puff-pastry notes and a vibrant citrus glimmer at the edges that keeps it clean and lively. It grows at a site northwest of Philo, the vines planted in 1991 on terraces of river gravel. Pour it with Dungeness crab this winter.
Other Vintages
2015-
Wine
Spectator -
Wine &
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Wine &
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Robert
Parker
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Wine
Spectator -
Robert
Parker
Eric Sussman first heard the expression radio coteau from a friend while living and working in Burgundy. More than a preference for how you discover these wines, the name reflects a commitment to capturing reflections of soil, seasons, people and place. In 2002, Eric established Radio-Coteau, focusing on the north coast vineyards of western Sonoma County and Anderson Valley. With their benchland locations, well-drained soils, exposure by capricious marine air and fog, these sites host grapes naturally suited to their surrounding elements. This natural selection afforded Eric an opportunity to refine his Old World experiences while working with New World grapes. For more than a decade, he has strived to balance nature’s expression with a delicate, but disciplined human touch in these handcrafted wines.
Anderson Valley, located in Mendocino County just above Sonoma County, is one of California’s coolest AVAs, allowing it a long growing season. Only 15 miles long, the region makes a slice eastward through the mountains, from the frigid Pacific Ocean. Dramatic diurnal temperature variations here preserve grape acidity and thus freshness in the finished wines. These are prime conditions for growing Pinot Noir, and the valley produces many fine versions. Characteristics of Anderson Valley Pinot Noir typically include crisp acidity, cranberry and strawberry notes as well as earthy notes of forest floor and mushroom.
Still Pinot Noir, however, is only part of the story. Pinot Noir, along with Chardonnay, are also grown for Anderson Valley’s exceptional sparkling wines. Produced via the traditional method, these offer a classic toasty note from lees aging, bright, complex fruit notes and a clean, refreshing character.