2018 Clos Solene, Harmonie, Paso Robles 1x75cl

Jeb Dunnuck 95

The Grenache-dominated cuvee is the 2018 Harmonie, which is 70% Grenache, 16% Syrah, and 14% Mourvedre. It’s a big wine, yet it shows a fresher, beautifully vibrant nose of black raspberries, licorice, candied flowers, and spice that opens up beautifully with time in the glass. Brought up mostly in neutral barrel, it still has a kiss of background oak in its aromas and texture and is beautifully balanced, full-bodied, and elegant on the palate. It’s a well put together Grenache that reminds me slightly of a more modern styled Chateauneuf du Pape. Drink it over the coming decade or so. [01/09/2020]

Anticipated maturity: 2020-2030

Vinous 95

Deep, brilliant maroon. Exotic, highly fragrant aromas of fresh, spice-tinged cherry, blueberry, potpourri and incense, along with a hint of succulent herbs. Broad and fleshy but lively as well, offering palate-staining red and dark fruit, candied lavender, cola and exotic spice flavors that slowly firm up through the midpalate. Shows outstanding definition and floral lift on an impressively long, smooth finish that features well-integrated tannins and resonating spiciness. [Josh Raynolds, 01/10/2020]

Anticipated maturity: 2023-2032

Robert Parker 95

The 2018 Harmonie is made up of 70% Grenache, 16% Mourvedre and 14% Syrah, made with 15% stem inclusion and aged 18 months in 20% new puncheons. Medium ruby-purple in color, it’s scented of crushed cherries and boysenberry with nuances of aniseed, violet and dried orange peel with loads of spicy accents. The medium-bodied palate bursts with ultra juicy, bitters-laced fruits, expansive, grainy and finishing long with expansive flavors. This is delicious now but will age well in bottle. 400 cases produced. [30/10/2020]

Anticipated maturity: 2020-2030