Medium ruby color; tart cherry, strawberry, raspberry, cranberry, cherry cola, oak, spice on the nose and palate.
Dry with faint hint of residual sugar; fine, mild tannin; balancing acidity. Silky, soft in the mouth; medium body. 100% pinot noir. Aged in French oak, 25% new. This is entry level pinot from Etude, an upscale label from Soter Vineyards. This aims at a less sophisticated, value-seeking market. It is affordable, uncomplicated. Works as an everyday easy drinker and as a second bottle pour. 13.9% ABV
Diana Roberts is the winemaker. This is her first vintage at Lyric. She earned a bachelor’s degree in enology at Cal State–Fresno, then gained experience in New Zealand and Provenance Vineyards in Napa. She was an assistant winemaker at Treasury Wine Estates winery in Paso Robles prior to joining Soter-Etude. She enjoys reading and backpacking and says her winemaking goal is to express the unique terroir of Monterey County. She says Lyric is “the embodiment of what I love about wine and life,” emphasizing the brand’s focus on capturing the subtle elegance of Monterey County Pinot Noir.
Tony and Michelle Soter founded Soter Vineyards in 1997. Tony Soter founded Etude Wines and was consultant to Araujo, Shafer, Spottswoode, and Dalla Valle. Michelle Soter had more than two decades of advertising and marketing experience, but she brought a fierce conviction to environmentalism, organics, biodynamics, nutrition, and holistic living.
The website notes: “After years of diligence, they accomplished one of their ultimate goals in 2013, converting their 240-acre property into a certified biodynamic farm and haven for growing world-class wines. Certification was achieved in 2016. In addition to being mindful stewards of the land, they provide an unrivaled workplace, sustaining a compassionate team that makes Soter Vineyards what it is today.”
Michelle passed away in 2019 after a battle with cancer. The website notes: “Her work lives on at MSR where Tony continues to model their business on natural systems, be it farming, winemaking, business development, or human experience.”
Lyric is Soter’s value wine, but dedication to nature is not diminished. In video on the website, they assert “I love not man the less, but nature more.” And their slogan is “Discover pure poetry.” Soter Vineyards and Etude deliver more sophisticated—and expensive—wines. Lyric delivers value for what it is, a pleasing every day pinot.
Lyric Wines Pinot Noir, Monterey County 2022 is affordable, easy-going, rich expression of Monterey County. As the entry level offering of Soter Vineyards and Etude Wines, this is uncomplicated. Ripe red fruits with reserved oak. Good acidity, as you expect from Monterey County thanks to the cool climate influence of Monterey Bay. Pairs well with poultry—roast chicken, turkey, duck. Grilled lamb, beef bourguignon, filet mignon. Pork chops and pork tenderloin. Grilled salmon, tuna, roasted trout. Mushroom risotto, grilled vegetables, truffle-based dishes. Cheese—brie, camembert, triple-cream cheeses, gruyère, comté, young gouda, goat cheeses in general. $19-21