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2007 PINOT NOIR SOLOMON HILLS
Santa Maria ValleyMy goodness! This wine is huge. While not in the vein of the sweet-edged, overripe monsters I like to make fun of, it still is a wine of amazing extract. Our spot at Solomon Hills is planted to Dijon clone 667, and in this cool climate it produces scrawny clusters with tiny berries-the typical yield is 1.5 tons to the acre, a painfully small crop. In 2007 this made an intense wine that drinks well with hardy fare now but will continue to evolve for many years.
This intriguing site is located west of all other vineyards in the Santa Maria Valley and is planted with the latest Dijon clones of pinot noir and chardonnay. Although it isn't situated in a particularly beautiful spot, this vineyard has all the attributes necessary for great wine. The soil is both poor in nutrients and well drained, so the vines grow with a decided lack of vigor-a necessity for quality wine grapes. And the cool climate this far west in the valley allows the pinot noir to retain nuanced aromatics and acidity.
(277 Cases Produced)
Press Reviews
Robert Parkers Wine Advocate
"Two outstanding Pinot Noirs include the 2007 Pinot Noir Solomon Hills, which offers both finesse and power in a full-bodied style. Wild berry fruit intermixed with some raspberries, strawberries, and kirsch are offered up in the beautiful aromatics of the wine’s perfume. Medium- bordering on full-bodied, the wine is rich, concentrated, spicy, and a lively Pinot Noir to drink over the next 4-5 years. " -RP (91 Points)
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
"Deep, bright violet. Energetic red and dark berries on the nose, with sexy notes of rose and blood orange coming up with air. Lively strawberry and black raspberry flavors stain the palate, taking on a richer cherry quality on the back. The sweet red fruits repeat strongly on the strikingly pure and sappy finish. This tangy expression of pinot has the balance and concentration to reward patience." - JR (93 Points)
Burghound
"A pretty and perfumed mix of ripe upper and lower red and black berry fruit liberally sprinkled with intense floral aromas. The fresh and vibrant medium-bodied flavors possess good detail and a silky mid-palate, all wrapped in a dusty and palate staining finish that is quite dry in the best sense of the term. Lovely and balanced if presently on the mildly austere side." (92 Points)
