2006 Radio-Coteau Pinot Noir La Neblina

The 2006 Pinot Noir La Neblina has more earth and forest floor notes, some ruggedly constructed Pommard-like red fruits backed up by serious muscle, depth, and power. If the 2007 is pure charm and elegance with concentration, the 2006 is its more burly sibling. Radio-Coteau is another great success story, with proprietor Eric Sussman producing small-lot, handcrafted wines. Everything is fermented naturally, there are no enzymes, acidulations, very low SO2 is utilized, and the wines are bottled in-house, with neither fining nor filtration. This is always an exciting line-up of wines that remain fairly priced. While I always think of Sussman as a master with his red wine varietals, such as Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Zinfandel, he certainly impressed me with his two vintages of Chardonnay from the very cool-climate Savoy Vineyard of Anderson Valley. Tel. (707) 887-8335; Fax (801) 340-6041