Radio-Coteau Anderson Valley Savoy Pinot Noir 2019

The Savoy Vineyard in the Anderson Valley, Mendocino County, has established a firm reputation for producing some of the north coast’s most exceptional cool climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The 18-hectare, southwest-facing site lies 120 kilometres northwest of the Radio-Coteau estate. Sussman has a per-acre contract and pays a premium for his fruit, so he may retain control over how those acres are managed viticulturally. Low yields, green harvesting and organic farming are a few of Sussman’s requirements. Like the rest of the Anderson Valley, Savoy enjoys a very pronounced diurnal range—night-time drops in temperature can be as much as 25 degrees Celsius—which brings the signature tension of Anderson Valley alongside flavour ripeness in both the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines.

Eric Sussman has worked with the Savoy Vineyard since Radio-Coteau’s genesis, beginning with Pinot Noir in 2002. A who’s-who of Sonoma’s finest source from this vineyard (Littorai and Peay included), where the Pinot Noir develops intense flavour over a growing season lengthened by the cooling maritime influence that funnels through the valley.

Radio-Coteau has been working with the same vineyard blocks (vines planted between 1991 and 1996) for almost two decades. With a complex patchwork of clonal selections, each block is organically farmed to its own specific needs. Hand-picking at night and transport to the cellar in the early morning allows for optimum handling and whole berry integrity. The fruit is fermented with 41% whole clusters, and a 16-month élevage occurs in light to medium-toasted, tightly-grained French oak (34% new). The wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered and rests for a further year in bottle before release.

The 2019 unfolds with intricate layers of luxurious black cherry, warm cloves, and forest floor notes carried by well-integrated, silky tannins and a refreshingly long finish.