2021 Radio-Coteau Pinot Noir Belay

A transparent but deep purple/ruby, the 2021 Pinot Noir Belay is packed with kirsch, crushed violets, and dark stones. Medium-bodied, it has a fresh linear feel, with crunchy berries, fine tannins, and angular fresh acidity. The fresh orange citrus and fresh spices on the palate are joined by a persistent mineral texture. Eric Sussman began Radio-Coteau in 2002, focusing on cool-climate sites along the north Sonoma Coast and the Anderson Valley in Mendocino. Eric purchased the current winery home in 2012, and they currently have 22 acres under vine across from the Charles Heintz Vineyard as well as six acres of apples from which they produce a hard cider. Marking their 22nd vintage, they are currently producing biodynamically farmed Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Zinfandel and have been Demeter certified since 2018. Eric spent several vintages in France prior to coming to California, working for Baron Philippe de Rothschild in Bordeaux, as well as Domaine Comte Armand and Domaine Jacques Prieur in Burgundy, and his wines certainly carry an Old World sensibility. All the wines undergo native fermentations and are bottled and racked in-house without fining or filtration.