County Line Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2021

County Line is Eric Sussman's BANG FOR YOUR BUCK companion to his coveted Radio Coteaux high-end brand. He developed an interest in wine while studying agriculture at Cornell University. His interests took him from the Yakima Valley in Washington to Burgundy, working harvests Pommard and Meursault. He settled in northern California, working as the associate winemaker at one of my favorite spots over the hill: Dehlinger. Before long, an ideal 42-acre vineyard became available; Eric made the decision to acquire it, allowing him to put down his “roots” with a strong commitment to producing estate wines with an authentic "sense of place." It was then that he founded Radio Coteaux, meaning  “word of mouth,” but the literal translation is “broadcasting from the hillside.” Eric first heard this expression from a friend while living and working in Burgundy. It refers to the commitment to community, to growers found by word of mouth, a tradition handed down in the cellar, and friends helping at harvest. Eric truly believes that this translation captured a winemaker’s role perfectly…..to “broadcast the vineyard into the bottle.” 

Winemaker Notes: A harmonious balance of fruit and earth, the 2021 County Line Pinot Noir opens with notes of raspberry compote, strawberry rhubarb pie, wild sage, and dried clove. Rounded tannins further accentuate the bright berry flavors and warm spice nuances, creating an alluring density in this refreshing, medium-bodied wine. Serve with a slight chill or at cellar temperature with an herb-crusted pork loin or root vegetable tarte Tatin. Eric and his team craft truly exquisite wines.