Region: Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California

Varietal: 100% Syrah

Tasting notes: The initial fresh dark plum and black currant fruit character in the 2018 Las Colinas Syrah beautifully augments the harmonious amalgam of earth and game at its core. Herbaceous dried thyme and rosemary mingle with cracked black peppercorn and a touch of brambly dustiness. Further fruit expressions of dried cranberry and kirsh give way to a compelling grilled meat quality. The palate is robust, with moderate acidity lifting textured tannins, for a truly exciting expression of Sonoma Coast Syrah.

Producer: “Radio-coteau” are two conjoined words derived from the northern Rhone region of France. The colloquial meaning is “word of mouth,” but the literal translation is “broadcasting from the hillside.” Eric first heard this expression from a friend while living and working in Burgundy. It refers to a commitment to community, to growers found by word of mouth, tradition handed down in the cellar, and friends helping at harvest. More than a preference for how you discover these wines, the name reflects a commitment to capturing reflections of soil, seasons, people and place. In 2002, Eric established Radio-Coteau, focusing on the north coast vineyards of western Sonoma County and Anderson Valley. With their benchland locations, well-drained soils, exposure by capricious marine air and fog, these sites host grapes naturally suited to their surrounding elements. This natural selection afforded Eric an opportunity to refine his Old World experiences while working with New World grapes. For more than a decade, he has strived to balance nature’s expression with a delicate, but disciplined human touch in these handcrafted wines.

Vineyard and Winemaking: In summer of 2012, Radio-Coteau acquired an historic 42-acre Estate vineyard and ranch located on a ridgetop above the town of Occidental. Originally named Joseph Morelli & Sons before Prohibition, the Lemorel winery (as it was later known) dates back to 1892, when the first vines were planted. Situated 800 feet above sea level, the property is a diverse agroecosystem settled on prized Goldridge soil. The Las Colinas Syrah is indicative of what is possible for cool-climate Syrah as it captures the essence of the western Sonoma Coast appellation. Élevage in 500-liter French oak puncheons helps to preserve fruit and spice, and affords graceful aging in the cellar.