Dried rose petals, sweet red berries, flowers, mint and licorice are all woven together in the 2010 Pinot Noir Savoy. A wine of gorgeous silkiness and finesse, the Savoy stands in stark contrast to the Dierke. The former is more elegant, while the latter is decidedly wild and unrestrained. All the elements come together beautifully in the glass. A rich, voluptuous finish rounds out this striking, layered Pinot from Anderson Valley. The 2010 Savoy is another drop-dead gorgeous wine from Radio-Coteau. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2022.
This lineup from Radio-Coteau and proprietor Eric Sussman was among the most thrilling I tasted this year. Radio-Coteau practices sustainable farming and hands-off winemaking, which includes native fermentations, minimal rackings and bottling without fining or filtration. What ultimately counts, though, is what is in the bottle, and more often than not, these are compelling wines that deserve serious attention. Among many things, Sussman told me Syrah did better in 2011 than in 2010. Yields were down dramatically, but the fruit that was left was exceptional.
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