Soter Pinot noir Mineral Springs White Label 2008

Review:

The first ever "Reserve" bottling from Soter's Mineral Springs vineyard is a wow-factor Pinot. It wowed us, the Wine Advocate, and Portland Monthly, for starters. Glorious depth and serious aging potential (10+ years easily). This was chosen as Oregon's #1 Wine by Portland Monthly, out of more than 400 tasted.

Wine Advocate 95 points

What's it Like? it's like an elegant high-end California Pinot only with more finesse, less bulk. (Tony is an internationally famous winemaker best known for his Etude wines. His style often has a bit of a CA influence.)

How to enjoy? The White Label definitely calls for a special meal - foodies will go crazy. Go to the organic free range butcher, the farmers market, and the best bakery in town. Have an expert chef mix it all together, add Soter White Label, stand back and listen to the raves.

When? It's definitely made to put away for 5-15 years. Overall, the 2008 vintage is one to cellar and collect rather than drink right now. The White label is especially so. If you can hold off on the gourmet dinner until at least 2016 you'll be glad you did.

Soter's White Label - realization of years of work by Tony Soter, his White Label Pinot is the best of the winery.

Only 300 cases were made from three acres of the best vines of Soter's Estate Mineral Springs Vineyard.

Intense and complex. Age from 10-15 years. This is a collector's prize, a special wine that deserves pride of place in your cellar.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 95 points

The 2008 Pinot Noir Mineral Springs is even better, coming as it does from one of the Willamette Valley's greatest vintages. Toasty oak notes, darker fruits, more density and richness, and several years of aging potential are the hallmarks of this brilliantly rendered Pinot. Give it a minimum of 3-4 years of cellaring for it to fully blossom. - Jay Miller