Soter Vineyards, Pinot Noir, Mineral Springs, Willamette Valley, Oregon, 2021

Overview of the Wine
Tony Soter has demonstrated a genius in crafting award winning wine over his five decades of innovative winegrowing; A dedication and reverence to the purity and intrinsic nature of the craft; a mastery is revealed in hi artful ability to allow the character of the place to resonate in the wines; a reflection of both the land and the hand. Tony Soter found his passion in winemaking in Napa Valley where he was the winemaker and consulting winemaker for many iconic proprieties. His start was at Chappellet in the late 70’s, followed by a long tenure at Spottswood, adding Shafer, Dalla Valle, Viader, Moraga, and Araujo to his resume. He started his first winery, Etude, in 1982. Tony was quickly becoming a name in Napa Valley, however his passion of cool climate Pinot Noir would lead him to Oregon in 1997. 

Tony Soter started Soter Vineyards at he was certain he found his true passion of winemaking in Oregon. 

James Cahill joined Tony Soter in 2002 as the Associate Winemaker. He and Tony crafted lovely Pinot Noirs and developed the Sparkling wine program at the Estate. It is worth mentioning that James’ first interview with Tony was at the Mineral Springs address; the vineyard had not been planted but the site clearly had tremendous potential. Today, James is a veteran of 25 harvest season in Oregon. He oversees all grower partnerships and collaborates on all winemaking at Soter Vineyards.

Biodynamic. 

Grape / Blend
Pinot Noir

Origin
Willamette Valley, Oregon

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
The 2021 Mineral Springs Ranch Pinot Noir is the featured red wine of this fall release. The 2021 vintage had all the ingredients to make incredible wines: dry weather, modest yields, promise good potential but there is always anxiety with farming the delicate thin skinned Pinot Noir. It is always a roller coaster of a season until the grapes are finally picked. Case in point, Oregon broke records when in June of 2021 a normally wet and fickle month, brought a heat dome to the state blanketing the Willamette Valley in extreme temperatures. Luckily all this occurred before there were even grapes on the vine so there was no damage to the crop. This most uncommon hot week of June marked the beginning of summer, and after the heat dome subsided, there was nary a cloud in the sky for the next two months. Thankfully, Oregon fall brought cooler temps and more predictable weather patterns, allowing the grapes vital hang-time to develop mature flavors.

The 2021 MSR, while still a little tight and young has readily shows its impressive balance; with medium body buoyed by vibrant acidity. It has a distinct core of red fruit comingled with notes of lavender and a hint of cola spice. The full spectrum of this wine will unfold gradually rather than all at once. For those enjoying this Pinot Noir in its youth, we recommend decanting to enhance your experience. However, if you’re willing to exercise some patience, the rewards will truly be gratifying.  It will naturally relax within the next year and drink well for the next ten years gaining suppleness and perfume with time.

94 Points - James Suckling 
This shows aromas of red plums and dried wild strawberries with hints of chocolate orange, red licorice, dried flowers and crushed stones. Medium- to full-bodied, plush and complex with velvety tannins that are soft and lingering. Attractive core of ripe red fruit and a chocolaty finish. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification.

94 Points - Wine Spectator
Grace meets tension in this impeccably structured Pinot, which delivers cherry and brooding blueberry flavors that pick up accents of forest floor, river stone and dark, dusky spices. Concludes with medium-grained tannins. Drink now through 2033.

Product size: 750ml