By Sol Rouge
2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Hills, Lake County

Technical Information
Grapes: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 14.40%
pH: 3.74
TA: 0.71
Aging: 100% French oak barrels, 25% new
Release Date: October 2021
Suggested Retail: $45.00

Winemaker's Notes
In 2017, our estate Cabernet Sauvignon produced a nice set with even clusters and moderate-sized berries, producing some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon grapes that we've seen from our vineyard. We utilize three different Cabernet Sauvignon clones in this wine: Clone 4, which provides plush red fruit, Clone 6, which provides mid-palate spice, and Clone 337 (our favorite), which provides the classic Bordeaux focus and structure. This Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits the classic aromas of cassis, licorice, and dark fruit on the nose. It is rich and full-bodied, with sweet tannins, a multi-layered mid-palate of dark red and black berries, and a long finish that carries the dark fruit. The balanced fruit and tannic structure of this wine will benefit from 3-4 years in the cellar and will age well over the next 10-15+ years.

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, this land contains rich, red volcanic soil. From this unique profile, Sol Rouge derived its name, translating to "red soil" in French. This 70-acre estate is planted with Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Cinsault, Counoise, Zinfandel, Petite Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc in a "high vine 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 with slopes up to 60% and is said to be the most aggressive and tightly planted vineyard in the Red Hills, with nearly 6,000 vines per hectare in some blocks. Sol Rouge is focused on producing wines from varietals from the Rhone and Bordeaux regions of France. We currently partner with vineyards in California that produce these varietals with distinct soil profiles similar to our terroir. Our "non-intervention" philosophy and use of indigenous yeast help bring the true flavors and characteristics of each vineyard to our wines.
[Information provided by Matador Vino]

Wine: Sol Rouge 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon (Red Hills)
Score/Rating: 92
Suggested Drinking Window: Best from 2026
Review Date: 09/01/2022
Reviewed By: Jim Gordon
Tasting Notes: Deep and concentrated, this full-bore, well-structured wine is firmly tannic, holding rather tightly its deep black currant, graphite and sunbaked earth flavors. A rustic, roasted quality gives it a unique twist. Best from 2026.