Soter Mineral Springs Pinot Noir 2007, Willamette Valley, OR

So I'm moving along in my east coast journey; I've just arrived in Baltimore.  I'm visiting my lovely roommate and her family, who was generous enough to host me and my wine blog.  They didn't start small- the first wine I had when I arrived a little before dinner time is this Soter Pinot.  


This label is well loved by Wine Spectator, Wine Advocate, and the like, but I have to say, I was not blown away by any stretch.  It's "complexity" isn't my style.  My first impression of the nose was that it was very pungent with some red fruit, oak, and definite alcohol.  Not a stunner of a smell.  A taste a few minutes after the bottle was opened kind of took me aback: it was way sharp!  There was this acidity that threw me for a loop.  Would I finish my glass?  I let it open up for about 30 more minutes.  That was the kicker.  The next taste revealed smooth, medium tannins and a flavor whose balance was like walking on a tightrope.  While I admire that, the tangy acidity is still not as much my style.  The finish, however, is awesome.  The smooth tannins reveal a nice, nuanced finish that shows off the flavors in the Pinot.

Technical Info:

Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir

Alcohol: 13.8% 

Origin: Willamette Valley, OR

Price: $47.99 at wine shops

Rachel's Grade: B   Maybe this guy just wasn't my thing.  Don't get me wrong, once it opened up, this Soter Pinot was really great.  I just isn't any better AT ALL than the $14.99 Tempranillo I had the other night.  This may be a critical darling, but I'm just not feeling it.  Maybe my palate isn't cultured enough?