2012 Radio-Coteau Chardonnay Savoy

The 2012 Chardonnay Savoy is deep, rich and powerful, with plenty of underlying tension, focus and minerality. Lemon peel, grapefruit and slate meld together gracefully. The 2012 could use another year in bottle to soften, as it is quite tightly wound at this stage. Still, there is a lot to look forward to here. The 2012 spent 13 months on its lees (with no stirring) and was bottled unfined and unfiltered.

The 2012 Chardonnay Savoy Vineyard is made primarily from the Old Wente clone of Chardonnay, but 30% comes from the Prosser clone, which is largely seen in Washington State rather than California. A lovely white, it exhibits plenty of earthiness, white peach, honeyed citrus and a medium to full-bodied, crisp, fleshy personality. There is enough acidity to provide freshness. Drink it over the next 3-5 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