2015 vintage notes
98 points James Suckling, Top 100 Wines of 2017: "Tons of pressed violets and lavender as well as blueberries, plenty of herbs, cedar, almonds and acacia come through on the nose, before ginseng, ivy and slate kick in. The palate is so structured with intense yet velvety tannins and layers of fruit and spices. Such tension in terms of the fine acidity but intensely full-bodied. A great wine that will age for decades. Drink from 2020 and well beyond."
2014 vintage notes
98 points James Suckling, #25 on Suckling's Top 100 Wines of 2016: "Terrific aromas of strawberry and rose petal with a superb energy and vibrance. Full body, incredible power and depth with a fabulous balance and intensity. A tightly wound ball of silky. Superb quality here."
2012 vintage notes
#17 in Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2014, 95 points, Highly Recommended: "Vibrant, expressive and multi layered, offering black cherry, red plum, sassafras and dead leaf flavors on a long and silky frame. The tannins are submerged, allowing the gorgeous flavors to float through the finish. Drink now through 2022. 1,500 cases made."
2010 vintage notes
Portland Monthly Magazine's #1 Oregon Pinot, and one of our favorites of the vintage.
SF Chronicle Recommended 2010 Pinot: Tony Soter's Oregon effort found a great stride with the vintage and this 30-acre planting shows pristine, bright flavors from the old marine sandstone soils. Full of bayberry and a watermelon-skin grip, with celery seed and mineral accents that signal its Oregon soul.- the Chronicle
Cruising down the backroads outside Carlton, Oregon with a friend from New York City, we came across Soter's Mineral Springs Ranch. Low fog hovered just above the trees and the sun made a rainbow straight across the vineyard. After that experience, we went to the winery and tried the "rainbow wine." Every time I've had the Mineral Springs Ranch since then, I taste a bit of the vivid colors and misty light of that special day. Rich red fruit on the nose preps you for one of the most lush and fresh red raspberry Oregon Pinots I've tasted from the stellar 2010 vintage. While the fruit is big, Tony and James did not sacrifice balance resulting in a silky finish that is quickly becoming the standard of excellence for the vintage. The 2010 Mineral Springs will excite all palates from today through 2020. - Andy
Tanzer 93 points: "Bright ruby-red. Heady aromas of candied red fruits, incense and cola, with suave floral nuances building in the glass. Offers intense raspberry and cherry flavors and bright blood orange and spicecake qualities, along with a touch of anise. Fine-grained tannins give shape and grip to the long, nervy, focused finish. This wine should age well on its balance." - J.R.
Soter's Mineral Springs Vineyard is 32-acres planted in 2002 just east of Carlton, Oregon. The soils, derived from fractured siltstone and sandstone, are ancient marine sediments that drain well and are thus perfectly suited to viticulture.
2008 vintage notes
New York Times #6 of their Top Ten 2008 Pinots. Wine Advocate 95 points:
Exotic aromas of sandalwood, sarsaparilla, white pepper and crushed wild berries entice you. The flavors of the '08 Mineral Springs are pretty wound up - it has "cellar" written all over it. In a vintage of ageworthy wines, the Mineral Springs stands out as especially well-built for long term aging. - Marcus
2007 vintage notes
One of the most exciting 2007 Pinots made. Dark in nature, oozing with delectable black raspberry and cherry and a bottom note of fresh Oregon blackberries. Cellared for an extra year before release and it shows. The Mineral Springs 2007's rich blackberry and black cherry flavors, accented by spice and a hint of incense are round and full. Beautifully textured, the silky tannins, impressive complexity, and a long finish make this a wine you'll find a special place for in your cellar. As in previous vintages, this is one of our choices for top Pinots of the vintage. Glorious aromas of herbs, forest, graham, and black fruit manage to express both the richness of this bounteous wine and the elegance of Soter's expert winemaking. - Marcus