Radio-Coteau Sonoma Coast Belay Pinot Noir 2020

Radio-Coteau Sonoma Coast Belay Pinot Noir is a single-vineyard Pinot Noir from the estate vineyard at Occidental.

Fruit from this seventeen-hectare site had been bought in for years before the chance came to own it in 2012, and Eric Sussman took it without hesitating. The vineyard sits on a ridge 240 metres above the town, on the fine sandy Goldridge soils of the area, roughly thirteen kilometres from the Pacific and near enough to the famed Heintz vineyard to share its weather. Fog rolls in and slows everything down, which gives long, even ripening. In a year when fire smoke ruined plenty of Californian fruit, Sussman's habit of picking early got the crop safely inside. Fermented with fifty-two per cent whole bunches, free-run only, eighteen months in neutral barriques and puncheons at sixteen per cent new.

Whole-bunch spice sits over dark cherry and pomegranate, with a cool, savoury finish and tannin drawn fine. Serve at 15 degrees. Roast duck, lamb with rosemary, or a mushroom and lentil braise would all be a good call.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.