Do you remember that perfect sunset last fall, with the perfect shade of pink that lingered for hours? It set the tone for back to school, Halloween costume planning, and the last moments of summer warmth, before winter set in.
Our inaugural release of Viognier from our Estate wine family, we were intentional about highlighting the elegance that this grape can showcase in the best sites. Intensely floral with star jasmine, white Easter lilies, and squash blossoms.
Hailing from the historic W Block in Bien Nacido planted in 1973 on their own roots, this must be the most floral vintage of these vines in many years.
As the vines turn 19 at Solomon Hills, the distinct texture of these vines are starting to show themselves. Concentrated white peach, banana and grapefruit peel are alive and present. The minerality is more aligned with a richer vintage of Santa Maria Valley and the sandy soils showcase the crunch of dried pebbles. The limited use of 20% new oak is a perfect match to the more intense body. We think this wine will hit its peak in 2025 or so.
Rarely do the two superheroes of the wine world come together to save the day. Pinot Noir and Syrah in equal parts are greater than the sum of their parts.
You will feel like an adult in a candy shop drinking this wine. Its amazing how black cherry bubblegum and red rope vines can so well play off a damp earth and mushroom nose.
Starting with the pale garnet color, this wine again will challenge some of the best wines of Europe when served side by side. Solomon Hills always tends toward the old world character with red currant buds, sweet cranberry and white strawberry preserve. The sandy soils always continue to show steeped green tea, mint and brown spices. With 30% whole bunch fermentation and only 30% new oak this is a high wire act. The savory and the fruit balance amazingly and will continue to do so for at least a decade from release.
Pink peppercorns and violet flowers sprinkled over summer rain moistened soils. It is almost poetic what this wine can say. A true Midsummer Night’s Dream, the liveliness of the fruit is faultless. Crunchy blueberry, lingonberry, and spicy black currants. You can expect olive brine and roasted meats to evolve with 5-8 years in bottle, but the youth and vigor of this Syrah will stick around for a while.
This wine is very nuanced with toasty cloves, pipe tobacco, and bright strawberries. The palate is fine but firm with understated elegance and has plenty to reveal if given enough time.
This wine is very Bien Nacido on the nose with mandarin, mahogany, and anise. The palate is fine but firm with understated elegance that has plenty to reveal if given enough time.
Dark aromatics of espresso, meat, and white pepper draw you in, but it’s the rich entry on the peppery and dense palate that’s a showcase of this vineyard. They complement the tightly wound but very long finish.
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