2012 Radio-Coteau Vineyards Savoy Pinot Noir

Radio-Coteau is a Sonoma County winery founded in 2002 by Eric Sussman. Though the winery is in Sebastopol, the estate sources grapes from several northern California appellations. Its name is a colloquial French term meaning “word of mouth” and Radio-Coteau has achieved a cult following for its small batch Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah and Zinfandel. Sussman, who is the winemaker, worked with producers in Burgundy, Washington and Northern California before forming a partnership with Bill and Joan Smith, owners of W.H. Smith Wines, to start Radio-Coteau.. Reviewers have given Radio-Coteau wines high compliments and the wines are generally available primarily through the estate’s mailing list.

Mendocino AVA was established in 1984 and amended in 1989. It includes numerous sub-appellations. Mendocino AVA is entirely within Mendocino County, and the AVA is known for its Mediterranean climate. Vintners successfully grow Carignan, Charbono, Grenache, Zinfandel, Petit Sirah and Syrah. In cooler parts of the region Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are also grown. Mendocino County is home to nearly 600 vineyards, and many have been certified organic for decades, thanks to the region’s famous “green and sustainable” approach to agriculture and nearly everything else. Mendocino was named for 16th century explorers, a pair of brothers whose last name was Mendoza. Winemaking, however, didn’t start until the 19th century when some would-be gold miners decided it was more profitable to make wine than to pan for gold. Italian immigrants in the late 19th century continued to establish winemaking ventures.

This red wine is relatively light and can pair with a wide variety of foods. The grape prefers cooler climates and the wine is most often associated with Burgundy, Champagne and the U.S. west coast. Regional differences make it nearly as fickle as it is flexible.