We had a bottle with dinner at Redd a couple of weeks ago. It was my first. Any fans of this? Any opinion of the 2010’s and 2011’s? Also, anyone have experience with what I understand to be his last Napa red, the 2007 Meritage? Thanks.
I’ve been drinking Soter Pinots from the time his flagship was the Beacon Hill. His newer wines from his own vineyard on Mineral Ridge are more supple and approachable when young. I’d place them about midway on the AFWE–Ripe and Heady scale. The vineyard site is spectacular, and about as good as you can find for Pinot in the WV. The wines are balanced and flavorful. I guess the only criticism I can think of is that they are so down the middle that they don’t have a distinctive character. The vines are still young, so there is lots of room for improvement.
The Napa red is similarly balanced and round. The Cab Franc give a wonderful aromatic lift, and the oak is there, but held back. If it were not for the price, I’d really go for this wine. As it is, I’ll buy Cadence and the like for my needs, getting two for the price of one.
P Hickner
Thanks, Peter. I appreciate the info.
The sparkler is quite good.
+1 on the sparklers. Have not drank as much of his Pinot as of late. More recent vintages seem a ‘bit flat’, for me.