Radio-Coteau 'Alberigi' Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, USA

點(diǎn)擊次數(shù)：3415

The 2011 Pinot Noir Alberigi is one of the least expressive of these 2011s. The stems are a bit prominent today, so further cellaring is a must. Still, there is a primal energy in the fruit that is unbelievably attractive. The 2011 should be a jewel once it opens up a bit in bottle. It is quite promising, even today, finishing with great persistence. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2021. 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. Tel. (707) 823-2578

The 2010 Pinot Noir Alberigi is quite beautiful in this vintage. The firm yet fine tannins that seem to be a hallmark of this site support the expressive dark fruit nicely. Juniper, sage and mint are some of the many nuances that add complexity to the dark fruit. Still very tight, the 2010 could use another year, perhaps more, in bottle. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. 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. Tel. (707) 823-2578

Radio-Coteau’s 2009 Pinot Noir Alberigi wraps around the palate with layers of sensual, rich fruit. This is one of the softest, most layered and utterly magnificent Pinots I have ever tasted from Radio-Coteau. In this vintage the 2009 has a little more fruit density and richness that serves to balance the whole clusters beautifully. Savory herbs, mint and crushed flowers add lift on the finish. The 2009 is delicious today, but should also age nicely. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2022. 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. Tel. (707) 823-2578

The 2009 Pinot Noir Alberigi (30% stems used) is more tannic, structured and closed compared to its siblings, displaying wood spice and herb notes intermixed with damp earth, black cherry and currant fruit characteristics. It should flesh out with more time in barrel. Proprietor Eric Sussman seems to go from strength to strength at this small boutique winery. One of the buzz words in the wine world is -natural- winemaking, which has no real definition and is often shamelessly used to promote a certain style of wine. Yet Radio-Coteau is a great example of 'natural winemaking' native indigenous fermentations, incredibly low usage of SO2 and biodynamically farmed vineyards. Then add the fact that the wines are bottled without fining or filtration. Of course, human beings/civilization have to intervene in the winemaking process, so until grapes are produced that can detach themselves from the vine and hop, skip and jump to a fermenter and make themselves, we will never have 100% 'natural' wines. Eric Sussman's three 2008 Syrahs have also turned out fabulously well, with all of them living up to the higher end of my barrel tasting range of scores of last year. The 2009 Syrahs are not as intense as their 2008 counterparts. However, given how Eric Sussman's wines often put on weight in the barrel, my current ratings may look conservative a year from now.Tel. (707) 823-2578; Fax (707) 823-2112