2008 Solaire by Mondavi Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
Mission Codename: The God of the Sun
Operative: Agent Red
Objective: Infiltrate Robert Mondai Winery and secure a wine that is only available at the winery. Make an allocation available to our well-deserving Operatives
Mission Status: Accomplished!
Current Winery: Solaire, by Robert Mondavi Winery
Wine Subject: 2008 Solaire Pinot Noir – Santa Lucia Highlands
Winemaker: Rick Boyer
Backgrounder:
in 1966, Robert Mondavi was a man with a mission. Mondavi had the vision to create the first major post-prohibition winery in the United Stated. His dream of crafting the best wines in the world has been realized and today the winery is recognized as a global leader in fine wine. Mondavi’s exclusive wines, which are usually only available at the winery itself, are extraordinary. Today only, The Wine Spies are proud to be the only wine merchant in the world to bring you, our national audience of Wine Spies Operatives, this rare opportunity to taste this extraordinary wine.
Monterey County’s Santa Lucia Highlands boasts 5,900 acres of wine grapes and a near-perfect environment for cooler climate Burgundian varietals of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, which makes up more than half of the grapes grown in this region. The reason for this massive proportion? Santa Lucia Highlands grows some of the best in the country! Spanish missionaries first planted grapes here 200 years ago but the 1970s saw a major revival in the region’s viticulture. And in 1991, the region officially became an AVA.
Wine Spies Tasting Profile:
Look – A dark cherry juice shows slightly lighter at the edges, and slightly darker through the translucent core. Swirl the wine and witness tall, tightly-spaced legs that fall slowly down the glass.
Smell – Bold, dark cherry and red currant mix with soft spice, kola nut, bramble and soft sweetwood. Allow the wine to breathe and be rewarded with softer, follow-on aromas of wild blackberry, mission fig and a hint of subtle savory herbs.
Feel – Cool and soft as the wine passes the front palate. Across the mid-palate, it settles in, gaining dimension and weight as soft, integrated tannins add a softly spreading grippiness and light dryness. A balanced acidity provides the perfect support for the delicious red fruit.
Taste – Juicy red cherry, smoky red currant, strawberry and spiced raspberry candy lead the way. As the wine opens up (keep swirling and you’ll be rewarded), it reveals mineral-laden brown spice, black pepper, bramble bush, wild blackberry, cherry cola and a hint of gunpowder.
Finish – Very long and flavorful, leading with a burst of red fruit that gently gives way to earthy minerals, spice and black pepper. At the very end, a warmth spreads around the palate, eventually ending on the gums.
Conclusion – This little gem from Mondavi is a delicious, easy-drinking, fruit-forward wine that we can’t get enough of. Unfortunately, there is very little left. If you love juicy, red, delicious Pinot Noir, this one is certain to please. Red and bursting with fruit, this palate-pleasing wine is a great all-on-its own solo-sipper, but with a bright and balanced acidity, it is a worthy companion for your springtime fine dining.
Wine Spies Vineyard Check:
The location of Robert Mondavi Winery in Napa Valley can be seen in this satellite photo.