2012 Radio-Coteau, Pinot Noir, La Neblina, Sonoma Coast.
Eric Sussman’s Radio-Coteau is one of California’s top quality labels for Pinot Noir, Syrah and Chardonnay with all cool climate sites in the Sonoma Coast and Anderson Valley, and his 2012 wines are looking top bet from the vintage. His second label County Line is also a great lineup of wines, especially his County Line 2013 Rose, so be sure to check them out as well, but his latest Pinot, the La Neblina is something special and I highly recommend finding this beautiful, floral and detailed wine. The 2012 Radio-Coteau, Pinot Noir, La Neblina from the western Sonoma Coast is a pure and rich, almost forward expression of Pinot Noir with a gorgeous array of flavors, this wine is seamless and decedent with wild strawberry, plum and sweet cherry fruits along with cola bean, rose petal, cinnamon, pomegranate, jolly rancher candy, a hint of red apple, sweet smoky toast, vanilla and cedary notes. There is an underlying element of earth, spice, fennel and mineral, though the fruit is certainly leading the way here, and a fine silky tannin plus a boost of fresh acidity that keeps everything together. Made from a mix of clones and all organic grapes the La Neblina, with about 15% whole cluster and about a third new French oak, is a well crafted wine of grace, focus and style, though flamboyant now, look for this tasty wine to age well into the nest decade, drink from 2014 to 2022.
($48 Est.) 93 Points, grapelive
