1 | Wine | Page 424

"Soter’s 2010 Pinot Noir North Valley is informed by fruit from five growers in disparate sectors whom winemaker James Cahill says have proven over the last half dozen years to be those with whom a collaboration that demands organic certification, strict quality control and a common vision proved viable. “A couple of our growers are dear friends,” Cahill adds, “with whom I’d like to think that collaborating on this wine has been a mutually satisfying relationship close to the heart.” The bottled result is certainly highly satisfying. Nut oils and vanilla join ripe, fresh red berries on the nose and on a satin-textured yet refreshing palate, with a savory streak of salinity serving to activate the salivary glands in a delightfully long finish. This is how an “intro-level” Willamette Pinot should taste: not just encouraging the next sip but also a move up the qualitative ladder to single vineyard selections based on the experience of an allure that only ever accrues to Pinot Noir."

"Bright gold. Intensely perfumed aromas of orange pith, pear and anise, with slow-building spiciness and a touch of salty minerality. Vibrant, finely etched citrus and orchard fruit flavors expand and deepen with air, picking up a sexy florality. The brisk finish features a strong jolt of melon and a touch of iodine."

"Reticent but pure aromas of cassis, blackberry, licorice, bitter chocolate, espresso and spicy oak. Then pliant, lush and deep, with terrific inner-mouth energy and violet perfume to lift the dark berry flavors. The tannins saturate the palate and front teeth without coming across as dry. Classy, polished wine--the best yet from the team of Bruno Prats, Hubert de Bouard and Lowell Jooste. The co-owners have increased their wine's syrah percentage to great effect, as this 2008 avoids the green notes of earlier vintages without showing any syrah rusticity." Reviewed by Stephen Tanzer.

"This is a beautifully rich Chateau Latour boasting a dense ruby/purple color, a sweet, smoky, charcoal, cassis, graphite, and forest floor-scented nose, full body, an attractive freshness, and sweet, noble tannins. This layered Latour is one of the vintage's top dozen or so wines." Reviewed by Robert Parker.