Radio-Coteau Pinot Noir “Belay” Sonoma Coast 2021

Alcohol: 13.4%

Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir

Localization: Sonoma Coast, California, USA

Tasting Notes: The Pinot Noir Estate Belay is another deep, potent wine in this range. A rush of dark cherry, plum, sage, tobacco, incense and cloves hits the palate. This virile, imposing Pinot packs a huge punch.

Notes: Planted on a ridge top above the town of Occidental, Belay is our Demeter certified Biodynamic^® Estate Pinot Noir. Our goal is to nurture the fruit from grape to glass, which increasingly becomes a reality with each Estate planting. As we become more vertically integrated, we find winegrowing a monumental task akin to climbing a mountain, with the Belay serving as both an anchor and stepping stone on our journey of ascension. In 2021, the Estate Pinot Noir showed optimum physiological maturity in early September, with full, turgid berries hand-picked in the cool, coastal morning fog. With a 16-month élevage in one-third new French oak, we chose to age a portion in puncheon to further preserve the fruit purity of this special and deeply personal site.

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.