Santa Maria Valley
While the Clos Pepe pinot is elegant and regal, this Solomon Hills is brash and flamboyant. Not that it is out of balance, it just has an excess of personality! It presents a wild combination of berries and herbal notes that seems to please just about every taster. The 2004 version of this Solomon Hills pinot noir brought us more queries about its availability than any wine in recent memory, and this 2005 is even better. Not to be missed!
Blend: 100% Pinot Noir | Alcohol: 14.0% | Vinification: 30% New French Oak | Barrel Aging: 15 Months | Total Production: 353 cases
Press Reviews
Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar
“Vivid ruby. Impressively perfumed nose offers an array of high-pitched red berry and cherry scents, with deeper cherry skin and underbrush adding complexity. This smells like it came from the Chambolle or Morey neighborhood. Remarkably pure and sweet, with deep but focused rasberry and bitter cherry flavors underscored by suave mocha and floral pastille.” – JR 93 Points
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
“Tolmach’s 2005 Pinot Noir Solomon Hills comes from a parcel planted with Dijon clones 667 and 777. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by loads of sweet cherry, blackberry, and currant fruit interwoven with notions of forest floor, oak, and earth. Supple tannin, a broad mouthfeel, and good underlying acidity suggest it will drink well for 8-10 years.” – RP 91 Points
