2013 Radikon Pignoli Rosso (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....
Dark and beastly, in the best possible way, the 2013 Pignoli smolders up with a blend of cedar, cloves, dried black cherries, ashen stone and camphor. This is silky-smooth upon entry, with a zesty acidic core to balance. Tart wild berry fruits mingle with saline minerals and hints of sour citrus. Grippy Pignolo tannins take control through the finish, tapering off pleasantly bitter and long. Rosy inner florals and steeped plum nuances linger long. The 2013 is on the cusp of its drinking window, yet built for a long evolution. Drink 2026-2034.
92 points
Eric Guido - Vinous