2010 Radio-Coteau Pinot Noir Savoy

Dried rose petals, sweet red berries, flowers, mint and licorice are all woven together in the 2010 Pinot Noir Savoy. A wine of gorgeous silkiness and finesse, the Savoy stands in stark contrast to the Dierke. The former is more elegant, while the latter is decidedly wild and unrestrained. All the elements come together beautifully in the glass. A rich, voluptuous finish rounds out this striking, layered Pinot from Anderson Valley. The 2010 Savoy is another drop-dead gorgeous wine from Radio-Coteau. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2022. This lineup from Radio-Coteau and proprietor Eric Sussman was among the most thrilling I tasted this year. Radio-Coteau practices sustainable farming and hands-off winemaking, which includes native fermentations, minimal rackings and bottling without fining or filtration. What ultimately counts, though, is what is in the bottle, and more often than not, these are compelling wines that deserve serious attention. Among many things, Sussman told me Syrah did better in 2011 than in 2010. Yields were down dramatically, but the fruit that was left was exceptional. Tel. (707) 823-2578

Bright ruby. Intensely perfumed nose offers fresh raspberry, cherry, rose and Asian spices, along with a suave, smoky mineral underpinning. The red fruits repeat on the palate, picking up floral and spicecake elements with air. Impressively pure pinot with excellent finishing sweetness, focus and persistence.

The 2010 Pinot Noir Savoy is another gorgeous, beautifully expressive wine. This is the most layered, complete and nuanced of the 2010 Pinots from Radio-Coteau. There is a silkiness to the tannin that elevates the Savoy. This is all subtlety and class. Freshly cut flowers, rose petals, exotic spices and ripe raspberries wrap around the soft, creamy finish. I can't wait to taste this once it is in bottle.