Sol Rouge's family-run vineyards are located on the steep slopes of the Red Hills AVA, in rich, red-tinged volcanic soils thought to impart a distinct mineral quality to the region's wines, adding complexity and intrigue that have made this area a standout. With a nod to the Rhone Valley, Sol Rouge's 2019 'Gypsy Rouge' showcases a blend of grapes aged in neutral oak to allow the fruit's inherent qualities to truly shine. Impressed by its balance and appetizing flavors, Wine Enthusiast awarded this red a solid 90 points.
Member Rating: 93
Tech Notes
Wine Details
Wine Enthusiast
| Unit Size | 750.00 ML |
| Varietal | Red Blend
|
| Vintage | 2019 |
| Grape | Grenache, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Syrah, Counoise |
| Country | United States |
| Appellation | Red Hills Lake County |
| Region | Lake County |
| Alcohol Content | 14.30% |
By Sol Rouge
2019 Gypsy Rouge Red Hills Lake County
Technical Information
Blend: 58% Grenache, 21% Mourvedre, 15% Cinsault, 4% Syrah, 2% Counoise
Alcohol: 14.30%
pH: 3.76
TA: 0.65
Barrel Regime: 100% neutral French oak barrels
Aging: Aged 18 months in barrel
Release Date: Winter 2022
Winemaker's Notes
Our Gypsy Rouge is a true reflection of the Sol Rouge Estate, which is planted mostly to Grenache and other Rhone varietals. In 2019, our Grenache was superb, with an extremely long hang time, as it was our last varietal picked in the vineyard. Our Gypsy Rouge remains mostly Grenache. In 2019, however, this wine has a substantial percentage of Mourvedre and Cinsaut, showcasing the elegance and layers from these Rhone varietals. The name embodies the spirit of the wine: fun, lavish, wild, free-willed, exciting, and interesting. On the nose, our Gypsy Rouge exhibits bright red fruit and rose petals. On the palate, the wine starts with a mouthful of bright strawberry fruit, which evolves into a mid-palate of black cherry, with layers of cloves, ash, and minerality, supported by very fine, softly gripping tannins. The wine finishes with hints of basalt and black pepper, with lingering tannins bringing focus to the finish. Enjoy drinking on its own or pairing with everything from fish and sushi to a wide variety of meats, including bison, lamb, and many types of smoked or barbecued meats.
About Sol Rouge
Sol Rouge is a family estate located in the Mayacamas Mountains at elevations averaging over 1,800 feet. North of Napa in the foothills of a dormant volcano that formed the North Coast wine country lies the Red Hills appellation of Lake County. This land contains rich, red volcanic soil, and from this unique profile, Sol Rouge derived its name - "Red Soil" in French. This 70-acre estate is planted with Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Cinsault, Counoise, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc in a high-density configuration, allowing each vine to focus on fewer clusters of fruit, leading to greater complexity. Nestled between Mt. Konocti and Benson Ridge, this aggressive sight is all hillside. It has slopes up to 60% and is said to be the most aggressive, tightly planted vineyard in the Red Hills, with nearly 6,000 vines per hectare in some blocks.
[Information provided by Matador Vino]
Wine: Sol Rouge 2019 Gypsy Rouge Red (Red Hills)
Score/Rating: 90
Review Date: 07/01/2023
Reviewed By: Stacy Briscoe
Tasting Notes: An overall well-balanced and quite appetizing Rhone-style blend incorporating Grenache, Mourvedre, Cinsault, Syrah and [Counoise] in its nod to the region. Find savory notes of violet, eucalyptus, red cherry, tomato, a sanguine umami, cumin, clove and tarragon.
