The 2016 Ribbon Ridge Pinot Noir is pale to medium ruby-purple in color with oolong tea and dried violet notions over black cherry and blackcurrant with a vein of crushed rock. Medium-bodied, it’s got great concentration of spice-laced black fruits in the mouth with a gorgeous streak of juicy acidity and soft, fine-grained tannins, finishing very long and on a dried leaves note.

The 2014 Ribbon Ridge Pinot Noir comes from one large 80-acre holding of which Soter purchases from six different plots from the eastern to the western flank. It includes 25% whole cluster fruit and is matured in 33% new French oak. It has my pick of aromatics from the four Single Vineyard, perfumed with wilted rose petal scents infusing the red cherries and strawberry fruit. The palate is medium-bodied, fleshier than its peers with slightly earthy red berry fruit, and with commendable depth and balance on the finish. I appreciate the harmony and character here.

The 2012 Ribbon Ridge Pinot Noir, which includes 20% whole-cluster fruit, is aged in one-third new French oak and the rest in neutral barrels. There is a slight lactic/chocolate note on the nose at the moment, although there is certainly plenty of red berry/kirsch fruit behind. The palate is medium-bodied with soft tannin and well-judged acidity, light red berry fruit with a touch of piquancy on the finish. There is a natural demeanor about this Pinot Noir that I appreciate.

Ribbon Ridge is the name of the winery, the vineyard and the AVA—one of a half dozen new sub-appellations recently defined in the Willamette Valley. The vineyard was recently planted (1991) but is already delivering thrilling fruit, scented with cherry liqueur, cola syrup, vanilla bean and cocoa. I love the intensity and focus, which conserves the fruit character and does not become heavy or thick. Beautifully structured with acid, spice, confectionery notes and a long, silky finish.——P.G.(4/1/2007)—— 91