Soter Estate Pinot Noir 2021

"A bright, magenta color with pinkish red edges shows intensity, youthfulness and concentration. Aroma sequences immediately leap from the glass with freshness and vigor. There are red berries, freshly cut straw, rhubard and elegantly perfumed red flowers. A blood orange zest inermixes with herbes de provence, cranberries, and tigh-grained French barrique. The structure of the wine is medium-plus at first, but as the wine unfolds in the mid-palate it begins to tighten and constrict. Acid levels are earnest in this wine, but there is a broad density that seems to take a combative stance to its brightness as the finish expands into chalky minerality, tangerine spice and an underlayment of crushed river rock. An argument can be made that this is the most impressive bottling that Jean-Nicolas Méo has achieved yet." —winemaker

"Ferrington Vineyard rests on a gently sloping bench overlooking the town of Boonville in the heart of Anderson Valley in Mendocino County. One of the earliest sites to be planted in this historic appellation, Ferrington boasts some of the oldest Pinot Noir vines in the region. These old vines produce wines with wonderful complexity and effortless balance. The Anderson Valley in general, and Ferrington in particular, is famous for marrying depth and density with electric acidity, and the 2019 Ferrington Vineyard Pinot Noir is a perfect example of this. Tangy blue fruit, tart cherry, elderberry, cranberry, and pomegranate notes all contribute to a medley of fruit impressions that evolve slowly in the glass. Notes of black pepper, struck match, and copper penny minerality add complexity." —winemaker