2020 Clos Solene Syrah Fleur De Solene
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Tasting notes
Violet florals and wet stones make way for crushed blackberries and minty herbs as the 2020 Fleur de Solène slowly comes to life. This is soft and enveloping with mineral-tinged red and black fruits underscored by salty minerality and savory spice. Grippy tannins mount toward the close. The 2020 finishes long with a staining of wild berry concentration and black licorice nuances. Nicely done. Fleur de Solène is a blend of 52% Syrah, 25% Grenache and 23% Cabernet Sauvignon refined in 30% new French oak.
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Average Score
James Suckling
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
A blend of 52% Syrah, 25% Grenache and 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2020 Fleur de Solène has a medium ruby-purple color and delicate aromas of blueberries, blackcurrants, graphite and charcuterie. The medium-bodied palate has a delicate core of fruit, a chalky, fresh frame and a mineral-driven finish. It feels a touch closed at the moment.
Bright and racy nose full of dark cherries, redcurrants, strawberries. Some finely roasted spices and a mineral tone with an elegant, floral perfume. Agile and medium- to full-bodied on the palate, showing impressive berry fruit and a mouthful of fine tannins. Well-structured and polished at the same time. 52% syrah, 25% grenache and 23% cabernet sauvignon. Drink or hold.
The 2020 Fleur De Solene checks in as a blend of 52% Syrah, 25% Grenache, and 23% Cabernet Sauvignon that spent 16 months in 20% new oak. It has a subtly smoky nose of both red and black fruits as well as pepper, leafy herbs, and graphite. This carries to a medium to full-bodied wine with good depth of fruit yet some obvious metallic, gritty tannins. It's tough to say where this will go, but it certainly offers pleasure, and it's a wine I'd drink rather than cellar. Vigneron Guillaume Fabre continues to make brilliant wines under his Clos Solene label. While he’s planted numerous new vineyards on his estate, he also pulls fruit from Santa Maria and releases those wines under his Cuvee Jean bottlings.