Solomon Hills Chardonnay

Solomon Hills has only one block of Chardonnay, and is separated into an upper and lower portion. The lower portion contains our aromatic clones, which make up the base of our Chardonnay. We planted this in 1999 and it always shows a distinct green tone. Papaya, Guava and Lemon Verbena are consistent tasting notes. Because of the well-drained, beach like soils, the vines at Solomon Hills always struggle. The oak is much less noticeable and the minerality much higher here. The winemaking mimics exactly that of Bien Nacido Estate; always whole-cluster pressed, native fermented and aged in 20% new Damy barrels produced in Meursault. Because Solomon Hills is so cold throughout the season, the wines have great acidity and our Chardonnay always goes 100% through malolactic conversion, and is aged for a total of 16 months in both wood and steel.

Vineyard Sites

Solomon Hills Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley. 10 miles from the Pacific Ocean, this Chardonnay is planted on the western edge of the Santa Maria Valley appellation. This site is not only the furthest west in Santa Maria but its also one of the coolest.
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