The red volcanic soil of their estate vineyards, in Lake County, provided the inspiration for the winery’s name, as Sol Rouge means “Red Soil” in French. From this unique terroir, winemaker Bryan Kane crafts small-production wines that showcase the special qualities of the vines. Here’s what our tasting panel had to say about their current offerings:
Sol Rouge 2012 “Gypsy Blanc” Blend
Grape(s): Viognier, Marsanne, & Roussanne
Region: Lake County
Price: 25-30
Tasting Notes:
Aromatics of peach, apricot, and tropical fruits interweave with hints of honeysuckle on the nose. Flavors of stone fruits and pineapple unfold into notes of honey and white flowers on the palate. A rich wine with a creamy mouthfeel, fans of white Rhone blends will enjoy this bottle. 150 cases produced.
Rating: 90
Sol Rouge 2012 Viognier
Grape(s): 100% Viognier
Region: Lake County
Price: 30-35
Tasting Notes:
A bouquet of peaches, tropical fruit, and orange blossoms greets the senses. Notes of peach, tart apricot, and mango coalesce with suggestions of minerals and white blossoms on the palate. A crisp, floral white with a fresh acidity, it’s a fine wine for a warm afternoon. 100 cases were made.
Rating: 90
Sol Rouge 2011 Mourvèdre
Grape(s): 100% Mourvèdre
Region: Lake County
Price: 25-30
Tasting Notes:
Fragrances of raspberries, plums, and blackberries mingle with hints of pepper and minerals on the nose. The palate reveals flavors of raspberry and blackberry that interweave with highlights of black pepper and dusty earth. A lighter red with lively flavors, pair a bottle with chicken or pork fajitas. 75 cases produced.
Rating: 90
Sol Rouge 2011 “Gypsy Rouge” Blend
Grape(s): 76% Grenache, 13% Mourvèdre, 4% Syrah, & 7% Other varieties
Region: Lake County
Price: 25-30
Tasting Notes:
Aromas of raspberries, strawberries, and cherries are accented by notes of spice, leather, and lavender on the nose. A sip delivers flavors of strawberry and bramble fruit that open up into suggestions of white pepper, minerals, and spring flowers. A light, approachable wine with soft tannins, fans of easy-going red blends should give this bottle a try. 350 cases were made.
Rating: 88
Sol Rouge 2011 Syrah
Grape(s): 100% Syrah
Region: Lake County
Price: 30-35
Tasting Notes:
Notes of blackberries, blueberries, and plums meld with suggestions of smoked bacon, creamy oak and vanilla on the nose. The palate reveals flavors of bramble fruit and plums with accents of smoked meat, toasty oak, and minerals. A dark, rich wine with supple tannins, enjoy a bottle with Chicken Marsala. 250 cases were made.
Rating: 89
Sol Rouge 2011 Zinfandel
Grape(s): 100% Zinfandel
Region: Lake County
Price: 25-30
Tasting Notes:
Aromatics of raspberries and cherries mingle with nuances of pepper and toasty oak on the nose. Flavors of cherry, raspberry, and pomegranate come together with traces of spice, oak, and butterscotch on the palate. A smooth wine with lively flavors, open a bottle with your favorite gourmet pizza. 150 cases produced.
Rating: 89
Sol Rouge 2010 Cabernet Franc
Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Franc
Region: Lake County
Price: 30-35
Tasting Notes:
A bouquet of cassis, blackberries, and plums combine with hints of mild green chiles and sweet spice on the nose. A sip reveals flavors of currant, plum, and cherry that interweave with vanilla, all-spice, and herbaceous notes. Dark fruit and supple tannins make this a wine to enjoy with lamb now or age for several years in your cellar. 110 cases were made.
Rating: 90
Sol Rouge 2011 Petite Sirah
Grape(s): 100% Petite Sirah
Region: Lake County
Price: 30-35
Tasting Notes:
Fragrances of blackberries, blueberries, and currants meld with highlights of pepper, cedar, and sweet spice on the nose. The palate offers flavors of blueberry and blackberry which unfold into nuances of herbs, all-spice, and toasty oak. Rich tannins and concentrated flavors make this an excellent wine to enjoy with food. Pair a bottle with your favorite BBQ. Just 75 cases produced.
Rating: 90
Sol Rouge 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon
Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Napa Valley
Price: 70-75
Tasting Notes:
Blackberry, currant, and cherry aromas interweave with traces of earth and herbs on the nose. Flavors of black cherries, blackberries, and plums merge with notes of vanilla, bell pepper, and fennel on the palate. A dark, supple Cab with rich tannins, enjoy a bottle with portobello mushroom burgers. 150 cases were made.
Rating: 89
Sol Rouge 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon
Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Lake County
Price: 30-35
Tasting Notes:
The nose offers aromas of blackberries, cassis, and black cherries that are accented by hints of vanilla bean and toasty oak. A sip delivers flavors of currants, blackberry, and dark cherry that unfurl into suggestions of anise, herbs, and creamy oak. A rich wine with ample tannins, enjoy it now with food or give it a few years in your cellar. 200 cases were made.
Rating: 90