2017 Clos Solene Cuvée Jean
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
Opaque violet. Powerful aromas of ripe black and blue fruits, incense and potpourri develop exotic spice and mineral nuances in the glass. Alluringly sweet, mineral- and spice-laced cassis, boysenberry, spicecake and violet pastille flavors deepen steadily through the midpalate and show outstanding delineation and back-end thrust. Velvety tannins build slowly on a strikingly long, expansive finish that leaves juicy blue fruit, star anise and vanilla notes behind.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
The 2017 Cuvée Jean is 96% Syrah co-fermented with 4% Viognier. It was made with 15% whole cluster and aged in 25% new oak. Medium to deep ruby-purple colored, the nose is delicate with pretty notes of white pepper, Castelvetrano olive, blackcurrants, blackberry pie, lilac, pencil shavings and crushed stone plus accents of bitter chocolate, Earl Grey tea and fresh mint leaves. The palate is medium to full-bodied and delicately intense with finely grained tannins and just enough freshness to carry the mineral-driven finish.
Coming all from the Bien Nacido Vineyard in the Santa Maria Valley, the 2017 Cuvée Jean checks in as 96% Syrah and 4% Viognier that was 70% destemmed and brought up all in barrel. This meaty, ripe, powerful Syrah offers impressive notes of black olives, ground pepper, earth/forest floor, and ample dark, meaty fruits. Full-bodied and elegant, with ripe tannins and terrific balance, it’s going to benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age and cruise for a decade.