2008 CHARDONNAY SOLOMON HILLS
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 is all lemon curd, piney and minerally-making it particularly food-friendly. We ferment and age this wine in older French oak barrels to better reveal the personality of this vineyard, and today it shows itself to be delightfully alive and delicious.

(585 Cases Produced)

Press Reviews

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"The 2008 Chardonnay Solomon Hills, from Dijon clones, is fatter and richer in the mouth than some of the other Chardonnays here. It shows gorgeous textural richness and plenty of ripe, varietal fruit while avoiding tropical notes. This is quite full and exuberant yet nicely balanced at the same time. This is a blend of Clone 76 and 95." ( 92 Points )

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

"Bright gold. Perfumed aromas of orange peel, peach, ginger and honey, with a smoky quality. Livelier than the Bien Nacido but just as rich, with an impression of brooding power to the flavors of peach skin, bitter orange, ginger and buttered toast. Shows terrific palate presence and finishes smoky and long, with firm acidity on the gripping back end. This rich, tactile wine should age well." ( 92 Points )

Hi-Resolution Bottle Shot