2019 Tolosa Solomon Hills Vineyard SMV Pinot Noir

“It’s a stunning expression this vintage!” – Wine Advocate

Perhaps that’s because, as Vinous says, “the spare-no-expense policies at Tolosa mean that the wines are never cheap, but they are consistently among the most impressive, often flamboyant Pinot Noirs being made.”

Normally $132... but you know we don’t play those games.

This 96 POINT Pinot at a retail-clobbering $100 OFF has what you need.

(That’s 76% off, math people.)

Tolosa is a favorite among locals of the California Central Coast. Located in San Luis Obispo, or SLO to those in the know, they set the bar for high-quality wines. The name pays homage to Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa and the wines are heavenly.

That reputation is built upon the founders Robin and Michelle Baggett's experience. They are the REAL DEAL. Both active in wine growing and hospitality since the 1980s, after establishing Tolosa in the Edna Valley they started Alpha Omega in Napa and took on Perinet in Priorat to round out their Alpha Omega Collective portfolio. Besides growing and making outstanding wine, Robin’s career in law led him to an 8-year stint as General Counsel to the NBA’s championship-winning Golden State Warriors.

Baggetts’ ability to make all the magic happen has a lot to do with their trusted winemaker Frederic Delivert. The resume spans more than 3 decades and includes PlumpJack, Cade, Far Niente, Duckhorn, and Hafner as well as Domaines Croix Maro and de la Valmale in France. Since joining Tolosa with the 1997 harvest, his focus has been single-vineyard expressions from some of the best in California.

Cooler coastal influence coupled with warm sun-kissed California rays delivers a fresh, vibrant, and beautifully fruit-packed Pinot experience at a price that’s irresistible.

Solomon Hills Vineyard in the Santa Maria Valley is a dream site for the grape. With its sandy soils dare we say this has a little bit of Rayas-esque quality to its personality? Silky and light on its feet, with terrific bright acidity and a satisfying depth of fruit, takes us on a mind-bending tour of bright cranberry, raspberry whips, and rhubarb, dusted with paprika, cardamom and a gentle barrel spice. Just 23% new French oak helps keep that fruit so fresh and so clean and while Vinous might hint at flamboyance this is much more of classy, showing than busty, skin-revealing sexpot of a Pinot.

You might scoff at paying $132 for this, but you’d be happy when it hits your lips. At today’s price, you’ll just be flat out thrilled that you got ANY before the well runs dry as it did the last time.

96 Points – Wine Advocate “The 2019 Pinot Noir Solomon Hills Vineyard offers alluring boysenberry, cranberry and red cherry aromas with accents of lilac, tea leaves and blood orange. The medium-bodied palate offers layer after layer of floral fruit and fireworks of fresh acidity. It has a fine frame of grainy tannins and finishes with tremendous length. It’s a stunning expression this vintage! 312 cases were produced. Drink 2022-2032”

95 Points – Wine Enthusiast “Quite light in the glass, this bottling from a vineyard on the western edge of the already cool appellation is vivacious on the nose with fresh fruit aromas of raspberry, pomegranate and strawberry, elevated by tarragon tones. The energy carries through the palate, with the red fruits are both refreshing and lush, with ample sprinkles of dried herb adding layers.”