The town of Gilroy lies at the southern end of the Santa Clara Valley, just south of California’s famed “silicon valley” and is widely referred to as the garlic capital of the world. The Santa Clara Valley is one of California’s most historic winegrowing regions, with a history that goes back at least to 1824 and even into the late 1770s in the case of the mission vineyards. The original Paul Masson winery was located here before moving up into the surrounding mountains with views of the valley and the winery’s origins.
Today at least 20 wineries operate in the Santa Clara Valley, among which Solis in Gilroy is one of the most notable, both for the quality of its wines and the beauty of its location.
Reviews
2008 Solis Merlot Reserve Santa Clara Valley; 13.8% alc., $40
A lovely Merlot with good texture and viscosity. Pleasing aromas of ripe plum and white pepper. Mouth-filling on the palate, but not over-extracted, with a deep, fruity finish. Solis’ Merlot tastes more European than Californian—more like wine and less like alcoholic fruit juice.
2007 Solis Syrah Santa Clara Valley; 13.8% alc., $30
A bold and beautiful Syrah with unmistakable varietal character. Its very complex and layered nose displays alluring notes of deep red fruits enveloped in a warm, meaty cloak, gently spiced with suggestions of clove and tarragon. Gorgeous in the glass, with prominent “legs.” Very attractive on the palate, with excellent balance of fruit, acids and velvet tannins that are very well resolved. The Solis 2007 Syrah will disappoint no one. One of California’s superior Syrahs. Highly recommended.
2008 Solis Seducente Red Wine Santa Clara Valley; 13.9% alc., $30
Its name means “seduction” and the first sip will surely lead to another. And another. Its brilliant ruby color and moderate alcohol level foretells a wine made in the old world tradition of discipline and restraint. Billed as a “super-Tuscan” wine, it’s presumably a blend of Sangiovese (a variety for which Solis has received gold medals) and Cabernet Sauvignon. Aromatics are suggestive of spicy raspberries. Light and easy on the palate, but not without substance, Seducente’s medium body is closer in style to an old world red Burgundy than typical California Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. And it’s surprisingly lighter and brighter than most California Sangioveses. Not a wine for deeply flavored meaty stews or smoky barbecues, pair this beauty with refined French or Italian dishes that call for a partner, not a wine that will overpower their delicately balanced flavors. Recommended.
Alan Boehmer - Alan Boehmer has conducted regular wine seminars and wine tours since 1967. Originally based in Los Angeles, he served as a consultant for ...
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