Solomon Hills Estate 2021 Pinot Noir Santa Maria Valley

The Solomon Hills Estate 2021 Pinot Noir is a compelling example of cool-climate California Pinot Noir at its expressive best—elegant yet intense, with refined tension between ripe red fruit and savory minerality. It offers depth and structure suitable for short-term cellaring while retaining immediate drinkability now.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Hailing from the estate vineyards of Solomon Hills Estate in the Santa Maria Valley AVA of Santa Barbara County, California, this 2021 Pinot Noir is crafted from 100% Pinot Noir (clones Pommard, 667, 777, and 115) planted in 1999 on wind-swept, low-vigor “Garey Series” loamy-sand soils. The vineyard sits approximately ten miles from the Pacific Ocean, allowing strong maritime and cooling influences that produce small, concentrated berries. The grapes for this wine were hand-harvested at night, naturally fermented with native yeasts, and aged for 16 months in French oak barrels (40% new) before bottling unfined and unfiltered. Winemaker Anthony Avila notes the finished wine reflects earth tones, forest floor and fired red clay, layered with briar bush and blueberry nuances.

Tasting Profile

Nose: Complex and evocative, the bouquet opens with wild blueberry, briar-brush, forest floor and red clay, followed by subtle cracked black pepper, te­riyaki beef umami and fine herbaceous notes.
Palate: Medium to full in body yet lithe in feel, the mid-palate brings ripe cherry and blackberry fruit framed by firm, chalky tannins and a lively line of acidity. Savory suggestions of spice, cracked pepper and subtle savory meatiness ground the fruit, while an underlying mineral seam adds freshness.
Finish: The finish is long and layered—berries fade into a dry, red-clay edge, hints of dark herbs linger, and the structure remains steady, promising continued evolution in the cellar.

Quick Overview

"I loved the bouquet of the 2021 Pinot Noir Solomon Hills, a light ruby-hued effort with perfumed darker cherry, mulberry, leafy herb, and smoked earth nuances. It's medium-bodied, has a layered, seamless texture, integrated tannins, and a gorgeous finish. It's absolutely brilliant. Enjoy bottles over the coming decade or more." Jeb Dunnuck 96 Points

"The 2021 Pinot Noir has alluring scents of cranberry, raspberry and pomegranate with nuances of rose petal, licorice, mushroom and earth. The light-bodied palate is chalky and vibrant with mineral-laced fruit and a long, perfumed finish. Give it 2-3 years in bottle." Robert Parker 93 Points