Today we head down south and visit one of the outstanding estates out of Paso Robles. Clos Solene is an inspired story fueled by the love of two people who founded this outstanding winery. Guillaume Fabre met the love of his life, Solene Fabre and they both eventually settled in Paso Robles. Fast forward to today, the Fabre Family is now a family of five: Clémentine (their oldest daughter), Jean (their middle son), and Juliette (their youngest daughter). Guillaume has named all his favorite wines after his children – Sweet Clémentine, Cuvée Jean and the arrival of Cuvée Juliette in 2019. After purchasing an estate in 2017, the family lives at the farmhouse on the property, as their boutique winery lies the west side of Paso Robles in the heart of the Willow Creek District.
The new wines were simply outstanding across the board. The 2017 Clos Solene ‘Fleur de Solene’ Red Wine (WWB, 94) is a dense, monstrous wine that has incredible depth and concentration but also very good poise. This is one that will cellar well for a decade or more. Learn more about these beautiful new wines at https://www.clossolene.com Here are the outstanding new release wines by Clos Solene.
2017 Clos Solene ‘Fleur de Solene’ Red Wine- The ‘Fleur de Solene’ is a compelling blend of Syrah (40%), Cabernet Sauvignon (34%) and Grenache (26%). Deep violets and rich dark fruits with espresso bean and dark chocolate shavings greet you on the nose. The palate is beautifully balanced, showing a great combination of tension and richness. Layers of roasted dates, milk chocolate, coffee grounds and blackberry compote all collide on the palate. The wonderful sense of minerality keeps everything right in line. Drink 2020-2032- 94
2017 Clos Solene ‘Harmonie’ Red Wine- A blend of 67% Grenache with smaller portions of Syrah and Mourvedre, the ‘Harmonie’ is an awesome new wine by Clos Solene. On the nose this shows layers of ripe red fruits with underbrush, milk chocolate and suggestions of roasted figs that all take shape in the glass. The palate has great freshness and a silky texture, delivering layers of red cherry cordial, blackberry compote, blueberry pie and coffee ground flavors, with a graphite edge. Light tannins and a long finish complete this sumptuous bottling that is best enjoyed over the next decade or so. Drink 2020-2032- 94
2017 Clos Solene ‘Hommage A Nos Pairs’ Red Wine- Essentially a Syrah wine with just a hint of Grenache and Viognier, this wine pays tribute to those who have inspired winemaker Guillaume Fabre. The wine was aged in 50% new oak (320L barrels) for 21 months. prior to bottling. Gobs of blueberry compote and blackberry pie greet you on the nose, with espresso bean, tar and dark chocolate tones playing second fiddle. The palate is dense and plush, but also shows a wonderfully vibrant acidity and loads of lip-smacking acidity. A faint dusting of kumquat zest combines with dark cherry cordial, Turkish coffee, roasted figs and suggestions of chocolate cake on this simply gorgeous palate. Simply outstanding to savor in its youth, the 2017 ‘Hommage A Now Pairs’ will enjoy a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2032- 95