For years I have admired the wines of Soter, founded by Tony and Michelle Soter. A magnificent property, the Soter 'Mineral Springs Ranch’ spans 240-acres and is a certified biodynamic site that was planted to 15 acres of Pinot Noir in 2002 and 2003, and an additional 15 acres in 2006. Two acres of Chardonnay were included in the 2006 plantings and are devoted entirely to our sparkling wine production. Small extension blocks have been added over the years to grow total production to 40 acres.
One of the outstanding winemakers in Oregon, Chris Fladwood has a storied career in wine which included harvests in New Zealand as well as Bordeaux. He became cellar master in 2009 and has worked his way to the winemaker position. He has crafted some beautiful wines at many different price points. As a psychologist who works with veterans for mental health evaluations I am so impressed with Flatwood’s pivot to going all-in on wine and becoming nothing short of a world-class winemaker.
For any years Soter has gained national attention for their sparkling wines, as you will find them at NYC and SF Michelin Star restaurants. The sparkling wines are highly geeky and nuanced. They are wines that pair so well with sushi and very nuanced food. Don’t miss out on the 2019 Soter ‘Mineral Springs’ Rose Sparkling Wine (OB, 94) which shows vibrant red fruits that parade with salty undercurrents. I am really impressed by the 2021 Soter ‘Mineral Springs Ranch’ Pinot Noir (OB, 94) which is already drinking beautifully with its earthy and salty tones. Learn more about this famed Oregon producer at http://sotervineyards.com/ Here are the beautiful new wines by Soter Vineyards.
2019 Soter ‘Mineral Springs Vineyard’ Rose Sparkling Wine- The fabulous ‘Minerals Springs’ Brut Rose was disgorged in May 2023 and was given 4G/L dosarge. This spent three and a half years en tirage, as the wine is a blend of mostly Pinot Noir (81%) with the remainder Chardonnay. A gorgeous salmon hue, this offers plenty of stuffing with a refined mousse and loads of salted citrus fruit flavors alongside guava puree and bright red raspberry. Finishing long with copious minerals, this beautiful wine has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2023-2035- 94
2016 Soter ‘Minerals Springs Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine- The 2016 Soter ‘Minerals Springs Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine comes from this warm vintage and spent a whopping eight six years en tirage. Showing plenty of nerve and a soft mousse, this offers nutmeg drenched French bread, marzipan, salted macadamia nut and suggestions of honeydew melon on the nose. The wine shows a very soft effervescence with solid weight and a lengthy finish. This is really good stuff to savor right now. Drink 2023-2031- 94
2022 Planet Oregon Pinot Noir- The 2022 Planet Oregon Pinot Noir comes off very soft and approachable with layers of pretty red fruits that collide with freshly tilled soils and shades of orange peel. Fresh and lithe with a polished texture, this is drinking beautifully in its bright youth. Drink 2023-2029- 91
2021 Soter ‘Mineral Springs Ranch’ Pinot Noir- This captivating 2021 Pinot Noir comes from the 240 acre ‘Mineral Springs Ranch’ which is biodynamically farmed and set on marine sedimentary soils in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. Stored for 12 months in French oak (40% new) and then a further eight months in the bottle, this is loaded with juicy cranberry and wild blackberry fruit flavors, with a very enticing texture and great sense of weight from this warm vintage. Wafts of salted black truffle and allspice add to the enjoyment as this beauty is drinking marvelously in its heady youth. Drink 2023-2033- 94