Pinot Noir 'Willamette Valley'

Score

92

"This earns the ‘Classic' designation with a spot-on mix of blueberry and purple fruit that fill the palate. Those fresh flavors are bounced up with well-matched acids and lightly earthy tannins, along with hints of cedar from aging in 10% new oak."

Score

92

"North Valley refers to the cluster of AVAs that are responsible for the major part of quality pinot production in the Willamette Valley. A very attractive pinot for the depth and volume of rich cherries. The palate has sweet cherry flavor and succulent tannin chew. Drink now."

Score

92

"North Valley is the blended, midpriced tier of the Soter portfolio, and this widely available wine should find a place on the table of anyone who loves top quality Oregon Pinot. Full flavored with cherry-berry fruit, it saw just 10% new oak, which is sufficient to provide a touch of spice. But the fruit is the star here, and this polished, expressive, perfectly balanced wine is its champion. "

Score

92

"There’s a sweet array of ripe cherries and earthy, gently spicy notes on offer here with a very fluid, fleshy and freshly layered feel to the quite pure, elegant yet flavorful and long palate. Drink in the next five years."

Score

92

"Deep scarlet. Expansive aromas of red/dark berry liqueur and cherry-cola are complemented by a spicy topnote that builds as the wine opens up. Juicy, concentrated and seamless in the mouth, the North Valley offers appealingly sweet, spice-laced black raspberry, cherry and floral pastille flavors that turn livelier with air. Nicely plays richness off vivacity and finishes very long and supple, with gentle tannins lending shape and grip."