SOLOMON HILLS Chardonnay - Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara 2017 Bottle (los)

Description

The 2017 Chardonnay Solomon Hills Vineyard is a remarkable wine that has received high praise, including 94 points from Vinous and 93 points from Wine Enthusiast. Vinous describes it as richer than the Bien Nacido Chardonnay, with heightened energy, tension, and overall volume. The nose showcases tropical notes, white flowers, lemon confit, hazelnut, and sage, creating a potent and phenolic character. Wine Enthusiast highlights enticing aromas of citrus spray and chamomile wrapped in toasted wood, leading to a tight, tart, and bright palate with flavours of sour lemon candy and warmer apple tones. The Wine Advocate awards it 92 points, noting its medium body and balanced acidity, finishing long and textured, making it perfect for enjoyment now through 2032.

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Solomon Hills is a prominent vineyard located in the Santa Maria Valley of California, celebrated for its exceptional production of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Part of the renowned Bien Nacido Vineyard, Solomon Hills benefits from a unique terroir characterized by cooler coastal influences, diverse soils, and extended growing seasons that enhance the quality of the grapes. The vineyard focuses on sustainable farming practices to cultivate grapes that exhibit intense flavors and vibrant acidity. Solomon Hills wines are recognized for their elegance, balance, and expressiveness, reflecting the distinct characteristics of the vineyard. With a commitment to quality craftsmanship, Solomon Hills continues to gain acclaim among wine enthusiasts and collectors, establishing itself as a significant player in the Santa Barbara wine region.

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VINOUS 94 points
The 2017 Chardonnay Solomon Hills Vineyard is quite a bit richer than the Bien Nacido Chardonnay tasted alongside it, but at the same time, it also has more energy, tension and overall volume. Tropical notes, white flowers, lemon confit, hazelnut, sage and mineral notes meld together in a potent, phenolic Chardonnay endowed with tremendous personality. The combination of bold, ripe fruit and vibrant structure is compelling. - Antonio Galloni

WINE ENTHUSIAST 93 points
This fascinating wine begins with aromas of citrus spray and chamomile wrapped in toasted wood, offering much intrigue right away. Flavors of sour lemon candy are tight, tart and bright on the palate, which also shows warmer apple tones against a searing and sharp acidity. Drink now through 2032. — Matt Kettmann

THE WINE ADVOCATE 92 points
Drink Date: 2019 - 2027
The 2017 Chardonnay Solomon Hills Vineyard opens with toast and gunflint over green apple, pear and baker's yeast plus aromas of stone, orange blossom, lemon cream and white stone fruits. It's medium-bodied with restrained fruits accented by toasty/floral notions, framed with juicy acidity and finishing long, textured and honey-tinged. 556 cases produced. Erin Brooks (12th Sep 2019).