2012 Radio-Coteau Pinot Noir La Neblina

A totally striking wine, the 2012 Pinot Noir La Neblina is laced with bright raspberry, cranberry, rose petals mint and cinnamon notes. The flavors are bright, focused and beautifully delineated throughout. Sweet floral and spice notes add lift on the finish. In this vintage, the Neblina was done with 15% whole clusters. This bright, aromatically expressive Pinot is a great choice for drinking over the next few years. There is a lot to like here. The Neblina is Radio-Coteau's largest production Pinot, should be relatively easy to find. The 2012 is a blend of several sites, including Hallberg and deselected barrels of the vineyard-designates.

The five 2012 barrel samples of Pinot Noir I tasted include the dark ruby-colored 2012 Pinot Noir La Neblina which comes from Dijon clones planted in the famous Goldridge soils of the region. Aged 18 months in 30% new French oak, it offers lots of cranberry, strawberry and pomegranate notes along with forward, savory, flattering fruit, medium body and a soft texture. It is best drunk over the next 3-4 years. (Not yet released) An impressive portfolio of wines routinely emerges from Radio Coteau, which employs organic farming, a low SO2 regime, indigenous yeast fermentations, extended sur lie aging with very little lees stirring, and bottling with no fining or filtration. Radio Coteau’s Syrahs continue to be splendid efforts despite the doldrums the Syrah marketplace seems to be experiencing. These wines tend to use 10% to 17% whole clusters and are generally aged 20 or more months in French puncheons. www.radiocoteau.com