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"Brilliant, intense aromas of mineral, blackberry and currant, with hints of Indian spices and cigar box, lead to a full-bodied palate, with ultrafine tannins and a beautiful balance of blackberry, raspberry and mineral. There's subtlety, yet also great depth. Lasts for minutes on the palate. This is a Latour with fabulous tone and vigor."

"A candidate for the -wine of the vintage,- the 2008 should have been purchased before it began to soar in value because of the significance of the number 8 in the Chinese culture (denoting good luck). Representing 40% of the production, this blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc offers aromas of high quality unsmoked cigar tobacco, lead pencil shavings, creme de cassis, earth, cedar and asphalt. Full, rich and stunningly concentrated, I doubt it is inferior to the 2010, just more classic as well as slightly more forward and a degree weaker in alcoholic potency (12.5% versus 13.5%). The 2008 should be relatively drinkable in 6-10 years as it is already showing remarkable complexity and breed, and will last for 30-35 years...at the minimum." Reviewed by Robert Parker.

"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."

"Ripe, lush and inviting, with unabashed licorice, plum sauce, melted fig and boysenberry fruit flavors that glide over hints of spice and mocha. The long, velvety finish pumps out the fruit in spades".

"It presents quite an earthy / chalky nose with restrained hints of lemon peel, lime leaf, white peaches and orange blossoms. Medium bodied, tightly wound and with a very good concentration of nervy flavors, it has crisp acidity and a nice suggestion of silkiness to the texture, finishing long and citrusy."

"As tends to be the case, this is tighter, more focused, more powerful and a bit harder edged than the Petit Castel – not surprising considering that this is Cabernet-dominated and the Petit Castel is Merlot-dominated – but they still have similar styles. This is a moderately earthy wine this year – less earthy than the 2009 Petit Castel, though – with seductive texture and focus."