Winery
of the Week: Sol Rouge - Lake County, Ca
At
Sol Rouge winery, they have a special affinity
with Rhone grape varieties. Cultivating fruit from the unique
terroir of Lake County in northern California, winemaker Bryan
Kane crafts small-production wines that showcase the unique
qualities of their vines. Here's what our tasting panel had
to say about a handful of their current offerings:
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Sol
Rouge 2012 "Red Hills" Cabernet Sauvignon
Winery:
Sol Rouge
Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Lake County, California
Year:
2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 30-35
Review:
A bouquet of currants, blackberries, coffee, and toasty
oak greets the senses. The palate delivers flavors of
blackberry, cassis, and black cherry, which flow into
whispers of sweet spice and toasty vanilla. With cocoa
tannins and layered fruit, open a bottle with a beef stew.
200 cases were made.
Rating: 91 |
|
Sol
Rouge 2012 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Winery:
Sol Rouge
Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Lake County, California
Year:
20132
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 70-75
Review:
Aromatics of cassis, bramble fruit, and blueberries meld
with suggestions of clove and smoky oak on the nose. A
sip reveals flavors of blackberry, blueberry, and dark
plum with accents of vanilla, clove, and cigar box. Nicely
structured with welcoming fruit, enjoy a glass with meatloaf.
150 cases produced.
Rating: 90 |
|
Sol
Rouge 2012 Cabernet Franc
Winery:
Sol Rouge
Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Lake County, California
Year:
2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 30-35
Review:
Fragrances of plums, boysenberries, herbs, and cocoa rise
up from a glass. Bramble fruit and plum flavors emerge
on the palate, along with nuances of minerals, thyme,
and dark chocolate. A wine with elegant dark fruit and
supple tannins, pair it with a mushroom risotto. 200 cases
were made.
Rating: 90 |
By
Jason Barlow
96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
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