Radio-Coteau Savoy Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018

Great new small-production Pinot Noir from hot producer Radio-Coteau - get the new release before the scores come out. 95 Points Antonio Galloni (Vinous):  "The Radio Coteau 2018 Pinot Noir Savoy is a classic Anderson Valley Pinot that offers the warm embrace so typical of Anderson Valley Pinots. Succulent red cherry fruit, spice, rose petal and blood orange meld together effortlessly. Open-knit and racy, with soft curves, the Savoy has a ton to offer. Best of all, it is already quite inviting...The bottled 2018s capture all the promise I saw last year. It is simply a fabulous vintage for Radio-Coteau." On a stunning hillside vineyard located in the heart of Anderson Valley, Savoy’s Pinot Noir grapes develop intense flavor over a growing season lengthened by the cooling maritime influence that funnels through the valley. A complex patchwork of clonal selections, each block is organically farmed to its own specific needs. Hand-picked at night and trucked to the cellar in the early morning allows for optimum handling and whole berry integrity. The growing conditions in 2018 were near ideal, with moderate summer temperatures resulting in gradual ripening and allowing for nearly 20% whole cluster inclusion. Following extended time in bottle, the 2018 is an elegant, harmonious expression of the Savoy vineyard. ...Eric Sussman has over a decade of experience at his Radio Coteau winery. All his fermentations are by indigenous yeasts, the SO2 regime is low, and the vineyards are either organically or biodynamically farmed. The gentle approach to winemaking is further evidenced by the fact that his wines are bottled without fining or filtration. Moreover, this Sonoma estate has generally kept its prices modest, especially given the quality of the wines.

Save