2009 Radikon Merlot (500ml)

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.

Other Reviews....
Dusty dried rose, brown spice, musky red currant, cinnamon and clove aromas make the 2009 Merlot impossible to ignore. This is lifted and finessed with cooling acidity. Masses of salty minerals saturate as wild blueberry notes mingle with hints of ginger. It finishes staining and long with a saline tinge, pleasantly bitter. Silty tannins tug at the cheeks without taking away from the 2009's energy. The Merlot refines for six years in old barriques and nine years in bottle before release. Fans of this dark and almost rustic style will love it. It’s a beast. Drink 2025-2034.
94 points
Eric Guido - Vinous