Soter, Yamhill-Carlton (Oregon) Pinot Noir 2017

 Mineral Springs Ranch is Tony Soter’s estate vineyard, located east of the town of Carlton, Oregon in the Willamette Valley’s Yamhill-Carlton AVA.  It includes certified biodynamic vineyards of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.  Soter is an Oregon native, but he earned his wine chops in Napa Valley, after attaining a degree in Philosophy at Pomona College in southern California (perhaps the perfect foundational education for a winemaker).  His first wine gig was at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars and his first winery in Napa was Etude, which produced an elegant Pinot Noir from Carneros.  Along the way he consulted with high quality wineries like Araujo Estate, Dalle Valle, Spottswoode and Viader, among others.  In 1997 he and wife Michelle, moved back to Oregon and established Soter Vineyards.    Mineral Springs Ranch is the heart of Soter Vineyards.  Its 240 acres support 40 acres of biodynamically farmed vineyards.  The elevation ranges from 380 to 440 feet, and the vineyards have south to southwestern exposures, providing the opportunity for microclimates that yield different fruit profiles resulting in more complexity in the wines.  The soil is well drained, a good attribute to have in the Pacific Northwest.  In addition to vineyards, the ranch supports diversity that includes fir forests, an oak woodland preservation, orchards, an heirloom vegetable farm, organic grain cultivation, and grazing lands.  Sheep and goats provide mowing and weed control.  The aim of these efforts is healthy soil, air, plants, people…and delicious wine.   The aromas of raspberries, blueberries and roses with a touch of sandalwood are, to me, pure Willamette Valley.  The flavors of the previously mentioned fruits along with black cherry entwined with fresh herbs, roses, vanilla and a touch of cocoa are balanced with dynamic acidity and polished tannins.  It is a young, sophisticated wine that will develop more complexity with age.