For the past 4 months, Wines Under the Radar has been featuring a potpourri of wines. We have featured different wine regions, grape varieties, and high quality wines all while keeping ‘value’ in mind. Today’s candidate is a Pinot Noir from California. There is a ton of Pinot Noir produced in this state and they range in style from light to full bodied and in price from $8 to $150+. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to taste through several Pinot’s and one kept shining through, I kept gravitating to this same wine, and the taste persisted (in my memory banks) long after I left the tasting. A Wines Under the Radar diamond in the rough and yes, excellent value at around $35-$40.
Black Sheep Finds Pinot Noir ‘Radian Vineyards’, Santa Rita Hills 2014 AKA – Amy & Peter Made This comes from Central CA just slightly northeast of Santa Barbara. The steep slopes of the organically farmed Radian Vineyard are located in the southwestern corner of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation, nine miles from the Pacific Ocean. The color is medium dark ruby with an ever so slight garnet edge. The aromatics are gorgeous with a light sweet barnyard note (earthy) rounded out by a hint of raspberry. The flavors are pure and silky and express raspberries and light cherry with the a bit of earthiness. Medium-bodied and elegant, the wine has a long lingering finish. Delicious!
FIND IT: jeff@winesundertheradar.com
Wine Region Santa Rita Hills AVA, California, USA
Grapes Pinot Noir
Production 500 cases
Soils Clay loam, Shale and Diatomaceous Earth
Vinification The grapes were partially de-stemmed with 25% whole clusters left intact. Fermentation took place with native yeasts and lasted a total of 16 days. The wine was aged in two and three year old French oak barrels for 14 months before bottling without filtration.
Alcohol 13%