Radio-Coteau Pinot Noir “Alberigi” Russian River Valley 2021

Alcohol: 12.4%

Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir

Localization: Sonoma Coast, California, USA

Tasting Notes: Sipping the expressive Alberigi Russian River Valley Pinot Noir feels like exploring a thicket of flavorful red berries growing in the heart of a cool, fragrant forest. Ripe raspberry and fresh cranberry lead the charge, accompanied by perfumy, rose potpourri notes. Intertwined with the bright fruit character are savory layers of earthy redwood, warm baking spices, and a hint of black tea leaves. Moderate yet structured tannins deftly guide the fruit and earth through to a refreshingly long finish on the palate, while hinting at longevity in the bottle.

Notes: In the heart of the Russian River Valley, the Alberigi Vineyard, sourced exclusively by Radio-Coteau and farmed organically, lies on a stretch of Vine Hill Road renowned for its Goldridge soils. Notoriously composed yet powerful, Alberigi expresses the purity of this special region. Grown in a cooler pocket of the Russian River Valley, the 2021 Alberigi once again kicked off our Pinot Noir harvest. Fermented with 26% whole-cluster inclusion, and following an 18-month élevage in both barrel and puncheon with 30% new, tight-grained French oak, the 2021 Alberigi is a fresh, fragrant expression of Russian River Valley fruit.

The Domain: Eric Sussman first heard the expression radio coteau from a friend while living and working in Burgundy. 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.