2009 Radikon 3781 Ribolla Riserva Bianco (1000ml)

The late Stanislao (Stanko) Radikon’s bold decision in the 1990s to embrace extended skin contact and natural winemaking, alongside his neighbour Josko Gravner, played a pivotal role in the global rise of amber/orange wines. Over the course of 36+ vintages Stanko, and now his son Sasa, have remained uncompromising in their pursuit of wines that are pure expressions of their Friulian terroir, rejecting chemical additives, temperature control, and sulphur. Rooted in the traditions of Stanko’s grandfather, the Radikon estate in Oslavia focuses on Ribolla Gialla, with vineyards planted on steep clay and shale slopes, meticulously farmed by hand. Since 1995, Stanko progressively returned to historical methods, extending maceration from 7 days to 3 months and eliminating sulphur entirely by 2002, crafting age-worthy wines that are, in Stanko's words, "totally genuine." While the core of the estate was formed around plantings of Ribolla Gialla, Stanko’s parents also added small parcels of Merlot, Tocai Friulano and Pinot Grigio.

This 3781 Riserva is only produced in the best vintages, with the number representing parcel of the best grapes harvested that year. 100% Ribolla Gialla which sees three months skin contact, four years in barrel, and then ten years in bottle prior to release.

Other Reviews....
A blend of dried apricot, ginger, incense and cedar shavings wafts up from the 2009 Ribolla 3781 to form its spicy bouquet. This is surprisingly fresh and energetic, following the performance on the nose, yet quickly gains in tension as saline minerals and citrus tones saturate. The 2009 tapers off earthy and savory, leaving suggestions of sous bois and a salty flourish that lingers on. The Ribolla 3781 is a harvest selection from the 2009 vintage. This spends four years in barrel following three months of maceration on the skins. Radikon has since lowered the aging period to three years in barrel to reduce some of the oxidation present here. Drink 2024-2031.
90 points
Eric Guido - Vinous