Radio-Coteau Sonoma Coast Lemorel Zinfandel 2018

Radio-Coteau Sonoma Coast Lemorel Zinfandel is a dry, cool-climate Zinfandel from a block of very old, low-yielding vines.

Named for the original winery built on the property in 1906, this comes off a small block of gnarled gobelet-trained Zinfandel planted in 1946, which rarely crops above a tonne to the acre. Zinfandel is notoriously awkward to grow, ripening unevenly within a single bunch, so sorting in the vineyard and again at the winery to pull out green and raisined berries is unavoidable. Fruit came in by hand, was destemmed and fermented in small open-top vessels; handling was gentle and only free-run juice was kept. Twenty months in puncheons and barrels followed, with next to no new oak. Eric Sussman regards barrel and bottle age as necessary to settle Zinfandel's assertive tannins.

Nothing like the heady, high-alcohol style from warmer inland zones: this is bone dry, higher in acid, with bramble fruit, black pepper, dried herb and firm structure. Serve at 16 degrees. Barbecued brisket, a pepperoni pizza, or lamb ribs will all suit.

*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.