Radio-Coteau ‘La Neblina’ Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast (2021) 2021

Radio-Coteau is one of the names cool-climate Pinot lovers seek out on the Sonoma Coast. It was founded by Eric Sussman, who trained in Burgundy and Bordeaux before settling in western Sonoma, and the estate has been certified biodynamic since 2008. La Neblina - Spanish for "the fog" - is named after the Pacific mist that rolls in off the ocean and cools these vineyards almost every morning. It's a blend of several organically farmed sites in the coolest, westernmost part of Sonoma County, where that fog keeps the grapes fresh and slow to ripen. The winemaking is deliberately light-handed: wild yeast, a gentle touch of French oak (mostly older barrels, so the wood stays in the background), and bottling without fining or filtering to keep the wine as it was made. The result is medium-bodied and silky rather than big or jammy: wild raspberry and red cherry, a savoury note of forest floor and dried herb, a touch of spice, and a bright, fresh finish. This is the cooler, more delicate side of California Pinot. Serve lightly chilled, at 14-16C.