In the heart of the Russian River Valley, the Alberigi Vineyard, sourced exclusively by Radio-Coteau and farmed organically, lies on a stretch of Vine Hill Road renowned for its Goldridge soils. A 20% whole cluster inclusion, along with a patchwork of clones, and 16 months in a third new French oak enhance the structure and depth of this 2015 vintage offering.
The Alberigi Russian River Pinot Noir hails from the cooler side of the Russian River, on Vine Hill Road. Ripe cherry compote, pluot, and muddled berries provide the comfortable fruit. Freshly cut white flowers and sage are contrasted with a more decidedly old world character. A bevy of sweet baking spices, cinnamon and citrus zest are also presented on both nose and palate. Once sipped, the wine takes on further characters not initially represented aromatically. A prevalent umami – almost seaweed quality pervades through the finish as the fruit subsides – a welcomed surprise.
“The 2015 Pinot Noir Alberigi is one of the most restrained Pinots in the range, partly because of the inclusion of 20% whole clusters, which gives the wine its distinctive floral/savory personality. Cranberry, white pepper, mint and dried flowers abound. This is a more linear, taut style than the Laguna, Radio-Coteau’s other Russian River Pinot. In fact, the contrast between those wines is quite fascinating.”
–Antonio Galloni