2016 Radio-Coteau Syrah Sonoma Coast Harrison Grade

The 2016 Radio-Coteau Syrah ‘Harrison Grade’ from the Sonoma Coast is a striking example of cool-climate Syrah with serious pedigree and poise. Grown on the historic estate above the town of Occidental, this is a dark, powerful yet supremely elegant wine that has rightly attracted critical acclaim, including 96/100 points from Robert Parker. Unfiltered and crafted with traditional methods, it offers a deep, authentic expression of coastal California Syrah.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2016 Harrison Grade Syrah is a deep, opaque dark ruby with a subtle blue-violet rim that hints at both concentration and freshness. The nose is intense and layered: think blackberries, wild blueberries, and black plum, interwoven with cracked black pepper, violets, cured meat, and hints of graphite, smoked herbs, and cool coastal minerality. On the palate, this is a structured yet refined Syrah, combining dense dark fruit with lifted, savory complexity. Black and blue fruits are framed by lively acidity and fine-grained tannins, supported by notes of olive tapenade, black pepper, and subtle gamey nuances typical of top-tier, cool-climate Syrah. The whole-cluster component adds spice, grip, and aromatic lift, while the unfiltered nature preserves texture and depth. This vintage has excellent aging potential: expect it to evolve gracefully over 10–15 years, gaining more tertiary notes of leather, tobacco, and dried flowers with time in the cellar.

Production
Harrison Grade is farmed on Radio-Coteau’s own historic estate, perched roughly 800 feet above sea level on a ridgeline above Occidental in coastal Sonoma County. The vineyard sits on prized Goldridge soils—well-drained, sandy loam that naturally limits vigor and enhances concentration and finesse in the fruit. The estate is farmed organically, emphasizing a diverse agro-ecosystem that respects the property’s long agricultural history dating back to the 1890s. Grapes are harvested by hand at optimal ripeness, then fermented using traditional methods, with about 45% whole clusters retained in the ferment to build aromatic complexity, structure, and longevity. The wine is matured carefully and bottled unfiltered to preserve purity, texture, and the full character of this cool-climate Syrah site.

Food & Serving
This Syrah’s balance of intensity and elegance makes it a versatile partner at the table. It shines alongside grilled or roasted lamb, dry-aged beef, venison, and other game, as well as dishes with earthy or smoky elements such as charred vegetables, mushroom ragù, or slow-braised short ribs. It also pairs beautifully with hearty Mediterranean fare—think rosemary and thyme-scented dishes, olive tapenade, and grilled sausages. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) for best expression. Decanting for 1–2 hours is recommended, especially in its youth, to allow the aromatics to unfurl and the tannins to soften.

Producer
Radio-Coteau is a highly respected small producer in Sonoma County, known for its terroir-driven, handcrafted wines from cool coastal vineyards. In 2012, the estate acquired a 42-acre historic vineyard and ranch above Occidental—originally known as Joseph Morelli & Sons before Prohibition and later Lemorel Winery, with vine plantings dating back to 1892. Today, this property is recognized as one of the standout vineyard sites in coastal California, with a mix of old vine plantings and new Pinot Noir and Chardonnay alongside Syrah. Radio-Coteau’s commitment to organic farming, minimal intervention in the cellar, and vineyard-specific bottlings has placed them among the leading names in Sonoma’s modern quality revolution, with wines like Harrison Grade Syrah frequently earning top critical scores and a devoted following among collectors.