2009 Radio-Coteau, Syrah “Las Colinas” Sonoma Coast.
This is uber lovely Syrah, one of the best out there in my opinion, and like the Peay “Les Titans” shows that the Sonoma Coast is a fine region for this grape, giving a real Northern Rhone profile to these glorious wines. In a tasting flight recently against Cote-Rotie and Crozes-Hermitage the Radio-Coteau more than held it’s own, in fact it was really difficult not to believe it was a top French wine, though it just have been better over all, and it was my top pick by a clear margin. The nose reminds of the famed Cote-Rotie with crushed violets, bacon and fennel while dark berry and currants come to the fore with air leading to a rich and vibrant palate of black plum and cherry while tangy boysenberry fills the mouth and a blueberry compote lingers on the finish, but there is garrique, cracked pepper, licorice and smoky sweet fig all adding to the complexity and depth of flavors. The body is medium full with refined tannins and good fresh acidity making this an elegant and classic Syrah that should age gracefully and drink great for a decade, I highly recommend searching this rare gem out, there is very little of it around, but it is worth the hunt.
($50 Est.) 94+ Points, grapelive

 

Avail at www.sfwtc.com ($47.95)

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