Santa Maria Valley
I love the fine fruit and excellent balance this vineyard gives. Solomon Hills is on the western edge of the Santa Maria Valley Appellation, so it’s climatically very cool. Planted to the Dijon clones of chardonnay, it has none of the typical California style of tropical fruitiness. It’s all lemon curd, pine and minerals–making it a great match with rich chicken dishes made with lots of cream.
The 2013 Chardonnay Solomon Hills comes across as elegant and refined. A delicate aroma of wet stones with a touch of nutmeg entices the palate. The wine follows through with a thick texture that is mineral, tangy/salty, and finishes with an aftertaste of poached pears.
Blend: 100% Chardonnay | Alc: 13% | Vinification: 10% New French Oak | Barrel Aging: 11 Months | Total Production: 365 cases
Press Reviews
Antonio Galloni’s Vinous
“The 2013 Chardonnay Solomon Hills is the freshest and best-balanced of the three Ojai Chardonnays I tasted. Lemon peel, white flowers and chalk all make an appearance in this nicely delineated, mid-weight Chardonnay. The style is all about understatement here.” – AG 91 points
“Green-tinged yellow. Intense, mineral-laced aromas of honeydew, nectarine and orange zest, with notes of iodine and smoky lees adding complexity. Densely packed, vibrant citrus and orchard fruit flavors deliver a suave blend of power and verve and pick up a floral nuance with air. Closes tangy and very long, with excellent clarity and a lashing of chalky minerality.” – JR 93 Points
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
“A site that continues to blow me away, the Solomon Hills Vineyard is located in the Santa Maria Valley and is within sight of the Pacific Ocean. Adam’s 2013 Chardonnay Solomon Hills gives up rock-star notes of white peach, honey blossom and white flowers to go with an incredibly pure, layered and balanced feel on the palate. Its fruit, acidity and alcohol and perfectly integrated and this beauty shines on its stunning purity of fruit. It’s another wine I find hard to resist currently, yet will be better next year and shine for 5-7 years at a minimum.” – JD 94 Points
