Solaksen Pinot Noir

2023
Solaksen Pinot Noir

Deep ruby in color, this single vineyard Pinot Noir offers aromas of dark cherry, wild cranberry, and sandalwood, with an earthy undertone of clay and forest floor. The palate unfolds with pomegranate, blood orange, and savory herbs, bringing freshness to its plush, full-bodied texture. Silky on entry, the wine builds through a fine but unmistakable tannic structure, balancing richness with tension. The finish is juicy and persistent, leaving spiced berries, dried herbs, and a lingering savory character.

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Labeled Appellation

Royal Slope

Vineyard(s)

Solaksen

Varietal(s)

100% Pinot Noir

Vinification

Fermented for 10 days in 100% oak barrels with 20% whole cluster inclusion. A faster, warmer fermentation but the must was left on skins for 30 days of extended maceration. Aged 23 months in 100% new oak.

Alcohol

14.7%

Cases Produced

48

Vintage Notes

A Powerful Personality

The 2023 Tenor Solaksen Vineyard Pinot Noir isn't interested in playing the delicate card. Sourced exclusively from Solaksen Vineyard in the Royal Slope AVA, this 100% Pinot Noir brings a darker, more powerful personality to a variety often celebrated for its elegance. Concentrated dark fruit, intriguing spice, and serious texture make one thing clear: this Pinot has a little attitude, and we're here for it.

After four vintages with their fair share of drama, 2023 was a welcome return to normal. Typical timing. Typical yields. Typical harvest dates. Boring? Maybe. We loved every minute of it. A warm May erased a slow start to spring, while steady summer conditions and a cooler finish gave the fruit time to develop exceptional flavor and maturity without being rushed. For the winemaking team, that consistency was a gift—great wine was simply easier to make.

Hand-harvested in October, the fruit underwent a faster, warmer 10-day fermentation entirely in oak barrels, with 20% whole-cluster inclusion to bring added complexity and structure. The wine then spent a total of 30 days in contact with the grape skins, building depth, concentration, and texture. From there, it was aged for 23 months in 100% new oak, allowing its bold character to develop additional richness and polish.

The result is a Pinot Noir with some serious presence. Layers of black plum, brambleberry, and dark spice meet hints of star anise, sassafras, and cola. Plush and generously textured, the palate carries a savory edge and a lingering, sophisticated finish. It's powerful without losing its composure, proving that Pinot Noir can have both finesse and a little muscle.

Bottled on September 8, 2025, just two barrels were produced, yielding a mere 48 cases. Dark, layered, and unapologetically expressive—Solaksen is Pinot Noir that refuses to play by the rules.