At Sol Rouge winery, they have a special affinity with Rhone grape varieties. Cultivating fruit from the unique terroir of Lake County in northern California, winemaker Bryan Kane crafts small-production wines that showcase the unique qualities of their vines. Here’s what our tasting panel had to say about a handful of their current offerings:
Sol Rouge 2012 “Red Hills” Cabernet Sauvignon
Grape(s): 100% Caberenet Sauvignon
Region: Lake County, California
Price: 30-35
Tasting Notes:
A bouquet of currants, blackberries, coffee, and toasty oak greets the senses. The palate delivers flavors of blackberry, cassis, and black cherry, which flow into whispers of sweet spice and toasty vanilla. With cocoa tannins and layered fruit, open a bottle with a beef stew. 200 cases were made.
Rating: 91
Sol Rouge 2012 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Grape(s): 100% Caberenet Sauvignon
Region: Napa Valley, California
Price: 70-75
Tasting Notes:
Aromatics of cassis, bramble fruit, and blueberries meld with suggestions of clove and smoky oak on the nose. A sip reveals flavors of blackberry, blueberry, and dark plum with accents of vanilla, clove, and cigar box. Nicely structured with welcoming fruit, enjoy a glass with meatloaf. 150 cases produced.
Rating: 90
Sol Rouge 2012 Cabernet Franc
Grape(s): 100% Caberenet Sauvignon
Region: Lake County, California
Price: 30-35
Tasting Notes:
Fragrances of plums, boysenberries, herbs, and cocoa rise up from a glass. Bramble fruit and plum flavors emerge on the palate, along with nuances of minerals, thyme, and dark chocolate. A wine with elegant dark fruit and supple tannins, pair it with a mushroom risotto. 200 cases were made.
Rating: 90