Innovation in Winemaking: Crafting Distinctive Wines Through Collective Expertise at SOM
At SOM they approach their winemaking very differently to a traditional winery: as a collective. They are a team of sommeliers, winemakers and vignerons, all of whom have an equal say in the wine production. They believe this intensively collaborative process shines through in the distinctiveness of their wines. They are very fortunate to have forged a partnership with Master Sommelier Larry Stone and Burgundian winemaker Thomas Savre to craft their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the Larry Stone Vineyard in the Willamette Valley's Eola-Amoty Hills.
Exploring Terroir: Larry Stone Vineyard
The Larry Stone Estate is a 66-acre vineyard situated on Lone Star Road next door to two iconic vineyard sites in the Eola-Amity Hills: Seven Springs and Lone Star Vineyard. The site is rich in Jory, Jory-Geldermann and Nekia soils and the vineyard is a combination of 18 different Dijon clones, heritage clones and rootstocks, with original plant material sourced from heritage sites in both Oregon and Burgundy. The aspect here is perfect, with eastern exposure, morning sun, moderate cooling winds, slopes of 12–20% throughout the vineyard and excellent drainage.
Crafting Complexity: The Influence of Terroir
The SOM team has taken inspiration from both classical and modern styles of Chardonnay to craft a wine that toes the line between leanness and breadth. In order to achieve this tension between styles, they employ both reductive and oxidative methods and age the wine in a variety of vessels including new oak, neutral oak, concrete, and stainless steel.
