Product Overview
95 Points - Wine Advocate
"The 2020 Chardonnay Solomon Hills Estate comes from the colder of Bien Nacido's two estates. It's located eight miles west of Bien Nacido and is the westernmost vineyard in the Santa Maria appellation. Vines are planted in beach sand, and there are no mountains to block sea breezes, so it is an especially cold, windy, foggy site. Matured in 40% new French oak, it opens with some toasty nuances and flinty streaks, with a core of white peach, lemon-lime, saline and acacia. The palate is ultra tangy and energetic with bursts of concentrated, mouthwatering citrus and a very long, mineral-driven finish." -EB, 12/8/22
95 Points - Wine Enthusiast
"There's an impressive amount of white-rock minerality to the nose of this bottling, where chalk aromas surround the Asian pear, white lemon and lychee character of the nose. That chalky tension and flavor run through the palate, giving a steady edge to the lime blossom, lemon balm and underripe pineapple flavors." -MK, 12/1/22
93 Points - Vinous
"The 2020 Chardonnay Estate Solomon Hills Vineyard is a pretty understated wine for the year and site. White pear, orchard fruit, mint, chamomile and lemon confit all grace an exquisite, nuanced Chardonnay that will drink nicely right out of the gate. Light tropical accents intermingled with floral top notes lift the finish." -AG, Jun/2022
92 Points - Wine Spectator
"Rich and fleshy at the core, with ripe mango, peach and marmalade notes and a hint of apricot pastry, complete with salted butter accents. Crisp and refreshing on the finish, with acidity cutting through the richness and highlighting accents of litsea oil and lemon verbena. Drink now. 465 cases made." -MW, 7/31/23
