INSIDER'S PICK: 2022 PLANET OREGON PINOT NOIR WILLAMETTE VALLEY (Vinous 90points) $25.99

It can be difficult to find a wine with both great flavor AND great purpose, but every once in a while a gem falls into our laps. Planet Oregon is a second label from Soter Vineyards, regarded as one of America's foremost proponents of Organic/Biodynamic winemaking. Their strict following of these principles is obvious in the quality of their single vineyard and estate bottlings, and are sought by collectors everywhere. This brand was created in 2009 because, in their own words, they "wanted (it) to have a purpose greater than what is in the bottle, and a reach beyond the confines of one property or a few wine collectors’ cellars." The fruit is sourced from local sustainable or organic vineyards, and as part of the 1% For The Planet initiative donate $1 for each bottle sold to the Oregon Environmental Council. Beyond their environmental do-gooding, the wine is great, a textbook Oregon Pinot in every positive sense. Dusty Bing cherry and tart raspberry aromas that get warmer as the wine opens up, but don't veer into the sweeter tones, always staying fresh and bright. The palate is equally energetic, juicy with a nice weight for the price point but shows lots of tang behind the fruit, finishing with super fine tannins and a hint of pepperiness. Impressively classy wine for the price that doesn't need any extra time in the bottle to really strut its stuff.

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