Santa Maria Valley
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, Solomon Hills 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 climate this far west in the valley is cool and allows pinot noir to mature slowly and retain nuanced aromatics and acidity.
Coming from a vineyard that lies within sight of the Pacific Ocean, the Pinot Noir Solomon Hills is a pretty, perfumed and elegant Pinot Noir that offers plenty of rose, violets and spice to go with light raspberry and red berry fruit. As with just about all of these 2013s, it has medium-bodied richness, vibrant acidity and a seamless, lightly textured profile on the palate. Picking up a slightly salty mineral-like quality with time in the glass, it’s an outstanding effort that will drink nicely for many years.
Blend: 100% Pinot Noir | Alc: 13% | Vinification: 20% New French Oak | Barrel Aging: 15 Months | Total Production: 278 cases
Buy 2013 Solomon Hills Pinot Noir
Press Reviews
Antonio Galloni’s Vinous
“The 2013 Pinot Noir Solomon Hills is one of the most intriguing wines in the range. It is also the most backward and inward of the Pinots. Hints of violet, lavender, licorice and cloves open up, but only gradually. The 2013 packs a serious punch, but it is going to need a few years to fully unwind. Still, there is plenty of promise here.” – AG 93+ Points
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
“The 2013 Pinot Noir Solomon Hills is the star of the show in 2013 and is possibly the finest Pinot Noir I’ve tasted from this estate. All about its incredibly pure core of fruit, it still stays balanced, seamless and layered, with no hard edges and perfect integration of its fruit, acidity and tannin. Giving up lots of black raspberry, strawberry, Bing cherry and floral notes, this is one Pinot Noir to not miss! ” – JD 96 Points
