2020 Radio Coteau ‘Wingtine’ Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast, California, USA

ABOUT THIS WINE

Wingtine Chardonnay is named after the specialized wing tine shank used to cultivate Goldridge soil. By lifting and fracturing the soil vertically and horizontally, this specialized wing–shaped plow reduces tractor passes, while maintaining soil structure and integrating sustainable farming practices.

Radio-Coteau introduced a little concrete egg fermentation into the mix this vintage, alongside the traditional neutral and once-used French oak, to let the Sonoma Coast character really shine. A blend of fruit from Heintz Ranch and the Radio Coteau Estate deliver a rounded, succulent Chardonnay with exciting tension and youthful freshness. Crisp apple, ripe pear, and yellow citrus find highlights of lemongrass and honeysuckle, all grounded in minerality and mouthwatering acidity. This is a complex, impressive ‘Wingtine’ white that’s sure to elevate any fine meal.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Born and raised in New York State, Eric developed his passion for winegrowing while studying agriculture at Cornell University. After spending several years in Washington’s Yakima Valley, he immersed himself in the old-world culture and traditions of France over two exceptional vintages – 1995 in Bordeaux at Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Pauillac, and 1996 in Burgundy at Domaine Comte Armand of Pommard and Domaine Jacques Prieur of Meursault. Apprenticing alongside men and women who have tended the same vineyards and wines through countless seasons reinforced Eric’s respect for the intrinsic connection between land, people and the wine they produce.

Upon returning to the United States, and after a year of collaborating on the wines at Bonny Doon in Santa Cruz, Eric settled in Western Sonoma County and spent four years as the associate winemaker for Dehlinger. Working with one of the area’s finest estate producers enhanced his appreciation for the world-class wine grown in this region.

In 2002, Eric established Radio-Coteau, focusing on the north coast vineyards of western Sonoma County and Anderson Valley. With their benchland locations, well-drained soils, exposure to capricious marine air and fog, these sites host grapes naturally suited to their surrounding elements. This natural selection afforded Eric an opportunity to refine his Old World experiences while working with New World grapes. For nearly two decades, he and the winegrowing team have strived to balance nature’s expression with a delicate, but disciplined human touch in these handcrafted wines. The winery has been Demeter Certified Biodynamic^® since 2008, a reflection of the commitment to crafting wines of origin utilizing low-intervention winemaking practices.