Clos Solène : Fleur de Solène 2014

Tasting Notes and Serving Suggestions for Fleur de Solène 2014 from Clos Solène

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a medium to deep ruby-red hue.

Nose

The nose reveals lovely aromatic complexity with notes of plum and exotic flowers, underscored by hints of mint and green herbs.

Palate

On the palate, the wine offers a rich, beautifully structured texture. Well-integrated tannins provide firmness, while the fruity aromas linger through a long, elegant finish.

Food and wine pairings

This wine pairs perfectly with roasted or grilled red meats, notably peppered beef or a leg of lamb with herbes de Provence. It also complements duck preparations, game, as well as aged hard cheeses.

Serving and cellaring

Fleur de Solène 2014 is best enjoyed at a temperature between 16 and 18°C. It is recommended to decant it about 5 hours before serving. This wine can be enjoyed now and will continue to evolve through approximately 2036.

A Paso Robles wine blending French elegance with Californian terroir

The estate

Founded in 2007 by Guillaume and Solène Fabre, Clos Solène is a family-owned estate located in the Willow Creek District of Paso Robles, California. Guillaume, from a lineage of six generations of French winegrowers originally from Languedoc-Roussillon, left France to settle in California after discovering the exceptional potential of Paso Robles terroir. After working as an assistant winemaker at L'Aventure Winery, he has devoted himself entirely to Clos Solène since 2014. The estate, which acquired its 28-acre vineyard in 2017, produces small quantities of Rhône-inspired wines. Guillaume and Solène Fabre now run this property, renowned for its elegant, characterful wines.

The vineyard

Fleur de Solène 2014 comes from parcels located on the west side of Paso Robles, in the Willow Creek District. This area benefits from a pronounced maritime influence, creating day–night temperature variations that can reach 25°C. The soils feature a unique composition with ancient limestone formations from marine deposits dating back two million years, notably the presence of float rock, a light, porous limestone that lends the wines a distinctive minerality. The estate complements its production by purchasing grapes from prestigious vineyards on the west side of Paso Robles, including Paderewski, Dusi, G2, and Lara vineyards.

The vintage

The 2014 vintage in California benefited from favorable weather conditions, with moderate temperatures throughout the growing season. This year made it possible to achieve balanced phenolic ripeness while preserving the freshness and acidity of the grapes, giving rise to wines with pronounced floral and herbal aromas.

Winemaking and aging

The winemaking of Fleur de Solène 2014 follows a meticulous approach, favoring full juice extraction before pressing. Fermentations are carried out in different types of vessels, including French barrels, concrete eggs, and glass globes, each selected to bring specific textural characteristics. Aging takes place in French oak barrels for a period that allows the wine’s components to integrate harmoniously.

Grape varieties

Syrah (70%)
Grenache (20%)
Cabernet Franc (10%)