Wine Banter by John Haggard - August 2019
Winemaker Eric Sussman established Radio Coteau back in 2002. I first had the pleasure of tasting Eric’s Sonoma Coast and Russian River Syrahs a few years later and have been impressed at the quality vintage to vintage in not just the Syrahs, but with the Radio Coteau Pinot Noirs, Zinfandels and Chardonnays year after year.
Radio Coteau prides itself on practicing “regenerative agriculture”, relying on natural farming practices to produce wines that reflect the terroir of each vineyard with as little intervention as possible. While the winery is in Sebastopol, Radio Coteau’s estate vineyard is actually in the hills above Occidental. For more information on Radio Coteau, visit:https://radiocoteau.com/.
Radio Coteau Wingtine Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast 2017
Bright citric acidity of lime zest and lemon. Hints of orange zest giving way mid-palate to creamy honey suckle and green apple. Easily age able over the next twenty years if properly cellared. Shellfish is the obvious choice for pairing, try raw oysters on the half shell, seared scallops, ling cod or halibut. Wingtine Chardonnay was tasted at 68 Fahrenheit.
Radio Coteau La Neblina Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2015
Distinct red cherry on the nose with spiced orange rind, violets and strawberry. The palate reveals layers of dry plum, red cherries, violets, rose petals with a finish of pencil shavings. Pair with filet of salmon, duck confit, pork dishes, double or triple crème cheeses or stronger-flavored washed rind cheeses. The firm acids of the La Neblina 2015 pinot noir will cut through rich foods and reward your palate. This pinot noir is easily age able for ten years or more if properly cellared
Upcoming Events:
4th Annual Celebration of Fountaingrove District AVA
Saturday, August 3rd, 12pm - 4pm
Bastoni Vineyards, Santa Rosa
Celebrating one of Sonoma County’s newest AVAs (American Viticultural Areas). Twelve wineries will pour wines from Fountaingrove vineyards including Aldina, Boisset Collection, Bricoleur Vineyards, Carol Shelton Wines, Deerfield Ranch, Gamba Vineyards and Winery, H-L-R Cellars, Hans Fahden, Kale Wines, Piezo Winery, Sanglier Cellars, Volante Vineyards! Meet the winemakers and discuss their wines while you enjoy a delicious barbeque lunch prepared by Cattleman's Restaurant. Come explore this new AVA and see for yourself how amazing Sonoma mountain top wines can be. For more information visit: fountaingroveava.com.
Artsy Dogs of Kokomo
Saturday, August 10, at Timber Crest Farms, Healdsburg.
You may not know, that my tasting room, Sophie’s Cellars, is named for my dog Sophie, who is no longer with us, but who remains in my heart always. Being both a dog lover and someone who has appreciated Kokomo Wines (particularly their Zinfandel from Dry Creek Valley, 2017), I have to mention the Artsy Dogs of Kokomo where not only can you taste some wonderful Sonoma County wines from Kokomo Winery, you can also take home an original masterpiece painted by your dog. There will also be adoptions by Green Dog rescue and Sonoma County Animal Services. Proceeds benefit the Paws for Love Foundation. For more information visit: www.sonomacounty.com/sonoma-events/artsy-dogs-kokomo.
Wine & Weed Symposium
Thursday, August 8, 2019, 8:45am-4:45pm
Hyatt Regency, 170 Railroad Street, Santa Rosa
The Wine & Weed symposium will explore, in depth, what the California wine industry can expect the impact to be over the next year and what opportunities, as well as threats, will exist. The event is focused on bringing together wine and cannabis industry thought leaders. The symposium features a limited number of tabletop exhibitors and sponsors. The day concludes with a wine tasting paired with hors d'oeuvres. For more information visit:wine-weed.com/nc/.
Taste of Sonoma
Saturday, August 31, 2019, 12pm
Green Music Center, Rohnert Park
Showcasing Sonoma County’s most renowned wineries and chefs and offers wine and culinary enthusiasts access to taste and experience Sonoma County. The one-day immersive lineup at the picturesque Green Music Center at Sonoma State University will include a walk-around wine grand tasting area, a chefs pavilion, guided wine seminars, and themed lounges. For more information, visit:tasteofsonoma.com.
John Haggard is owner of Sophie’s Cellars, Sonoma Wine Tasting in Duncans Mills, California. Sophie’s Cellars (Winter Hours) is open Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun: 11am – 5pm, Fri: 11am-7pm (Local’s Night, Friday, 4-7pm, and you don’t have to be a local to join us).www.sophiescellars.com
