From: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Blend: Pinot Noir
Critical Acclaim & Taste: JD 92 Jeb Dunnuck
The 2021 Pinot Noir Planet Oregon is ripe with sweet aromatics of raspberry liqueur, moss-covered earth, and sweet herbs. The palate is generous and fresh with purple flowers, boysenberry, and cedar.
JS 91 James Suckling
A fresh, juicy wine with dark strawberry and lemon rind, as well as stone. Medium-bodied with firm, integrated tannins and fresh acidity. Nicely balanced. $1 goes to the Oregon environmental council.
Pairing: When it comes to pairings, the key to pairing an Oregon pinot noir is simplicity. Its inherent acidity makes it a fitting companion to meats, especially those with higher fat content. Imagine savoring it alongside duck confit or elk, a combination that promises an unforgettable culinary experience.
Easy Duck Confit
By Melissa Clark
About. Tony and Michelle Soter's legacy intertwines the elegance of winemaking with a profound respect for the planet. This ethos forms the bedrock of Soter Vineyards, a project they began in 1997. The couple's journey had its roots in California during the 1980s and 1990s, a time and place where they established themselves as formidable forces in the wine industry. Tony's reputation burgeoned as the founder of Etude Wines and his contributions to stalwarts such as Araujo, Shafer, Spottswoode, and Dalle Valle. His unparalleled prowess in crafting award-winning wines distinguished him over four decades. On the other hand, Michelle, with a vast background in advertising and marketing, steered Mineral Springs Ranch driven by her passions – environmentalism, holistic living, and the organic and biodynamic ethos.
Together, this power couple carved out a niche, producing wines that are a sensory delight resulting from gentle and responsible farming. Their dedication bore fruit in 2013 when their 240-acre expanse transformed into a certified biodynamic farm, an accolade officially recognized in 2016. This commitment to being guardians of the land and cultivating a compassionate team marks the essence of Soter Vineyards.
In 2009, their journey expanded with the introduction of Planet Oregon. The mission was clear: crafting environmentally-friendly wines without breaking the bank. In the words of James Cahill and Tony Soter, it's "Pinot Noir for the people with respect to the planet." Their wines are bursting with the flavors of Oregon's summer – cherries and berries galore. But it's not just about the palate; it's about philosophy. As Tony puts it, "Planet Oregon is not really a place but a state... a state of mind... We want our work to be delicious, fun-loving, regenerative, and worth sustaining."
Nestled within the picturesque rolling hills of the Willamette Valley, their grapes find a home. This region, bordered by the Coastal and Cascade Ranges and just a stone's throw from the Pacific Ocean, is an emerging star in the New World wine domain.
Their adherence to biodynamics stands out in their winemaking process. It's a holistic approach, treating the entire farm as a living entity and shunning synthetic herbicides and pesticides. This ensures a wine that is not just a delight to sip but is also kind to our Earth. Planet Oregon's commitment is evident in its sustainable farming practices, prioritizing the health of streams, rivers, and the environment. Their wines, aged for seven months in French oak barrels, are a mark of their promise: "The only mark we leave on this Planet is a wine stain or two."