2022Solaksen Pinot Noir
2022Solaksen Pinot Noir
Perfected and passionately pursued in Burgundy, few varietals are as revered by enthusiasts as Pinot Noir. In recent decades, its momentum has expanded into Sonoma, Santa Barbara, and the Willamette Valley, celebrated for its ability to capture the essence of terroir more transparently than almost any other grape. Minimally planted throughout the Columbia Valley, we are fortunate to have discovered two perfectly placed parcels ideal for showcasing its potential. This wine highlights the dynamic texture of one such site: Solaksen Vineyard in the Royal Slope AVA.
The 2022 vintage presented challenging weather conditions and naturally low yields. Despite the slow ripening, the vines displayed healthy vigor, resulting in a vibrant, concentrated crop.
The Single Barrel Solaksen Pinot Noir is crafted primarily from Pinot Noir clones 114, 115, 777, 91, and 667. The delayed harvest into October allowed for full flavor development while retaining freshness and aromatic lift.
The fruit underwent a cold soak followed by a 30-day extended maceration to maximize depth and texture. The wine then matured for 20 months in French oak barriques (62% new) before being bottled unfined and unfiltered, preserving its purity and vibrancy.
This meticulous approach ensures that the 2022 Single Barrel Solaksen Pinot Noir captures the distinct character of the vintage, varietal, and vineyard site.
This bright cherry-red Pinot shows light strawberry hues at the rim. The nose bursts with juicy red fruits, interwoven with crushed rock, flint, rose water, and cigar wrapper. The palate mirrors this, presenting vibrant raspberry, plum, and huckleberry, with striking wet stone, saline, and savory notes. Hints of watermelon, marmalade, cedar shavings, and sandalwood add complexity. A generous, silky mouthfeel and balanced acidity create a highly complex and fun experience, finishing with sour cherry pie, spring flowers, and nori.
Awards & Accolades
"“The outstanding 2022 Single Barrel ‘Solaksen Vineyard’ Pinot Noir offers beautiful red rose petals alongside Satsuma orange zest and guava on the nose. The palate is beautifully-textured with good salty nuance alongside rich red fruits and dried herbs. Drink 2025-2033.”"
94 points, Owen Bargreen, owenbargreen.com
"The 2022 Single Barrel Solaksen Pinot Noir from Washington’s Royal Slope opens with an elegant bouquet of crushed huckleberry, wild strawberry, and dried hibiscus, accented by hints of mandarin peel and subtle forest spice. On the palate, the wine glides with graceful texture and layered complexity, showing flavors of red currant, blood orange, and a touch of dried thyme. A faint salinity and mineral lift weave through its supple fruit core, giving the wine both freshness and finesse. Silky tannins frame the finish, which lingers with whispers of rosewater and black tea leaf."
93 points, Jeremy Young, International Wine Report