The 2005 Pinot Noir “Beacon Hill” is dark colored. The fruit is dark, more black than red cherry with black raspberry also making an appearance. The wine is medium-bodied, supple-textured, with ample blue fruits to more than balance the acidity and tannin of the 2005 vintage. Barrel samples of Soter’s three 2006 Pinot Noirs are very promising. This is a friendlier vintage with fatter, riper fruit and higher alcohol. I would anticipate something special from Tony Soter in the this vintage. Renowned Napa Valley winemaker Tony Soter (Etude, Spottswoode, among others) has made a full-time commitment to Willamette Valley, moving his family, building a winery, and planting a vineyard.