Review: |
"Violet florals and wet stones make way for crushed blackberries and minty herbs as the 2020 Fleur de Solène slowly comes to life. This is soft and enveloping with mineral-tinged red and black fruits underscored by salty minerality and savory spice. Grippy tannins mount toward the close. The 2020 finishes long with a staining of wild berry concentration and black licorice nuances. Nicely done. Fleur de Solène is a blend of 52% Syrah, 25% Grenache and 23% Cabernet Sauvignon refined in 30% new French oak. Guillaume Fabre, owner and winemaker of Clos Solène, was born and raised by a family of vine growers in Southeast France. His love of making wine brought him to Paso Robles to work a harvest at L’Aventure. A single harvest turned Fabre into an assistant winemaker while he also worked on building his brand, Clos Solène. Today, Fabre tends to his vineyards in the Willow Creek district, which surrounds the family home and tasting room. The vineyard (previously known as Pipestone Vineyards) was originally only eight acres. The family has been expanding upon it for several years as they refine plantings, grafting and row spacing, using the original vines as a nursery. Fabre also sources fruit from Bien Nacido in the Santa Maria Valley. Currently, the portfolio comprises mostly Rhône-inspired blends with a bit of Cabernet and Chardonnay. Most of the 2021s I tasted were from barrel and are outstanding and full of potential. I’m looking forward to tasting them from bottle. As for the 2020s, I did not taste them at the property because of a logistical mix-up, but will do so as soon as I back in my office. Notes will be added at a later date. Fans of Guillaume Fabre’s style should check out Benom, a project he shares with his brother Arnaud Fabre." |