The Wines

Previous RELEASES

2006 Petite sirah (Clarksburg)  SOLD-OUT

A velvety beginning without the tannic astringency of many Petite Sirahs.  The subtle opening plum/berry fruit intensifies in mid-palate, continuing to a lush, lingering finish.  Great with steak, but wonderful on its own.

Silver, 2010 CA State Fair; Silver, 2010 El Dorado County Fair.
> Price: $19 (500ml) [ Back to Top ]

2005 cabernet franc (Sierra Foothills)  SOLD-OUT

Finished in a more traditional Bordeaux style, this wine gives you extra body and crispness and a somewhat deeper color than is typical of this varietal, adding to its flexibility with foods.  The subtle varietal floral/violet aroma notes will intensify with aging.  Beside matching nicely with lamb (with a little bit of fat), it will work well with marbled beef and you can even pair it with meat pizza for a casual meal.  

Silver, 2009 California State Fair, Silver, 2009 Amador County Fair; Silver, 2010 Orange County Fair.
> Price: $23 (750ml) - Currently on Special for $21 [ Back to Top ]

2005 TEMPRANILLO (Sierra Foothills)   SOLD-OUT

Our Tempranillo is a wonderful Sierra Foothills rendition of this variety idolized in Spain and rapidly gaining popularity in this part of the world. This medium-full body red wine continues the tradition of its much celebrated (double gold medal winner) 2004 predecessor, combining intensity and smoothness, as well as great oak integration complementing the fruit with rich vanilla & toffee notes.

Silver, 2009 California State Fair, Silver, 2009 Amador County Fair,

Silver, 2009 Orange County Fair & Silver, 2010 El Dorado County Fair.
> Price: $23 (750ml) [ Back to Top ]

2005 Titan IX (Sierra Foothills)  SOLD-OUT

A powerful blend of Tempranillo & Petite Sirah, combining the best of each varietal, but with both allowed to express itself fully.

Silver, 2010 El Dorado County Fair.
> Price: $19 (750ml) [ Back to Top ]

2005 Titan  X (Sierra Foothills)    SOLD-OUT

In the tradition of not releasing any wine before its time, we decided to bottle-age this red blend long enough for any rough edges to fade away and for the components to integrate. Not surprising, since the two component varietals also benefited from some bottle aging on their own for their single varietal releases. Of all our Titan blends, this one will be the most suitable for cellaring, although it is very approachable right now.
> Price: $18 (750ml) [ Back to Top ]

2008 Pandora No.1 (Sierra Foothills)    SOLD-OUT

A harmonious blend of Chardonnay, from the 25 year old Jewett Vineyard next door and from our own estate vineyard, Sauvignon Blanc and some Semillon.  Truly the best of the top 2 favorite white varieties around, displaying a "Pandora" of flavors and aromas, and a refreshing crispness (Pandora also happens to be a sister moon, around Saturn, of Titan, so our white and red blends are truly a family affair !)

Silver & Best of Class, 2010 Amador County Fair.
> Price: $16 (750ml) [ Back to Top ]

2009 Barbera Rosé  (Sierra Foothills)   SOLD-OUT

We have long believed that Barbera was a

perfect candidate for a Rosé, given its refreshing acidity, exhuberant fruit and vibrant color. Our Rosé lives up to this promise, showcasing the more developed end of the red berry spectrum, with raspberry & cherry dominating over strawberry. A wine with true panache, perfect by itself or supremely versatile at the table.  Truly the red wine lover’s white wine !

Gold, 2010 Orange County Fair;  Silver, 2010 El Dorado County Fair; Silver, 2010 Amador County Fair.
> Price: $18 (750ml) [ Back to Top ]

2007 BARBERA (Sierra Foothills)   SOLD-OUT

A wisp of oak mixed with jammy, berry notes in the bouquet promise an even more intense Barbera than its predecessor.  Big in the middle with a rich creaminess marked with plum and blackberry flavors.  Finally on the finish the oak reappears with a lingering smokiness.  Too much intensity to pair with pasta and a simple tomato sauce.  Try something on the grill with a big spicy BBQ sauce instead.

Silver, 2010 Amador County Fair.
> Price: $25 (750ml) [ Back to Top ]

2007 TORRONTES (Alta Mesa)   SOLD-OUT

Argentina’s principal white variety, Torrontes offers wonderfully aromatic orange peel and rose petal aromas, with a velvety but crisp mouth feel featuring green apple, melon and a hint of spiciness. Perfect with seafood, poultry and asian cuisine.
Silver Medal, 2009 Orange & El Dorado county fairs & 2009 San Francisco International Wine Competition.
> Price: $17 (750ml) [ Back to Top ]

2006 barbera (Sierra Foothills)     SOLD-OUT     

Our best yet !  Perfect embodiment of our winemaking vision:  Distinctive Wines with Intensity, Complexity, Balance and Varietal Clarity.  Even smoother than our celebrated 2004, with a lingering finish and subtle oak, to allow the raspberry/cherry fruit to fully occupy center stage.

Silver Medal, 2009 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. 
> Price: $26 (750ml) [ Back to Top ]

2007 Verdelho (Alta Mesa)      SOLD-OUT

A major Portuguese white varietal originating from the island of Madeira, Verdelho offers the rare combination of crisp but refreshing lemon-lime acidity with a generous mouth feel, overlaid with exotic pear and peach aroma/flavor notes. Great summer wine, but also pairs extremely well with many dishes.

Gold Medal, 2009 Orange County Fair. 
> Price: $18 (750ml) [ Back to Top ]

2006 zinfandel (Sierra Foothills)     SOLD-OUT

A wonderful pepperiness perfectly integrated with the bright fruit, resulting in a very harmonious and multi-dimensional wine, so much more interesting than the often simplistic fruit bomb character of many Zins. 

Silver Medal, 2008 Orange & Amador county fairs & 2009 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. 

> Price: $19 (750ml) [ Back to Top ]

2006 starboard PORT (Sierra Foothills)     SOLD-OUT
  
A blend of six traditional Portuguese port varieties (Tinta Roriz, Touriga Nacional/Franca, Tinto Cão, Souzão, Bastardo, and Alvarelhão), the 2006 port continues the rich and intense tradition of our 2005 Souvenir port.  At 18.5% alcohol, this wine is at the low end of the 18-24% alcohol port range, which allows a much improved balance with the other components, unlike the unavoidable hotness/harshness many of its higher alcohol relatives display.  It also means that the fruit has a better chance to shine, with none of the "pruniness" often encountered in alcohol-dominated ports.  A full-flavored and rich wine but still very fruity and friendly.
> Price: $20 (500ml) [ Back to Top ]

2005 Petite sirah (Clarksburg)     SOLD-OUT

A deep dark berry fruit canvas provides a lively background showcasing all the attributes Petite Sirah enthusiasts crave in this wine, including generous but smooth tannins.  Sure to please both occasional and hard core Petite Sirah lovers, the Solune approach shows that Petite Sirah does not have to be a rustic monster bent on hurting your mouth to be in character.

Silver Medal, 2008 CA State Fair & 2009 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.  
> Price: $23 (750ml) [ Back to Top ]

2005 TitAN VIII (Sierra Foothills)             SOLD-OUT

From our signature red blend series, this latest Titan is a rich and deep blend of our opulent Barbera and intense Petite Sirah. This compelling blend is already our favorite.  We made 35 cases, a little more than our usual 25 cases for Titan blends, but the additional cases were all sold at the wine club release event and we only have enough left for the wine club release itself.
> Price: $18 (750ml) [ Back to Top ]

2005 Titan VII (Sierra Foothills)      SOLD-OUT

A great preview of our upcoming 2005 Cabernet Franc (40%), complemented with Petite Sirah (40%) and Barbera (20%), this Titan continues the tradition of previous releases.  While preserving the individuality of its components, this medium body and lively "assemblage" also offers a unique personality, to be enjoyed a capella or with a wide variety of dishes.
> Price: $17 (750ml) [ Back to Top ] 

2005 Fleur de Lune (Sierra Foothills)     SOLD-OUT 

Exotic White/Orange Muscat and Gewurztraminer blend, pleasantly off-dry up-front, but with a clean and refreshing finish.  Well worth the wait after the instant success of the limited 2004 release. 

Gold Medals, 2007 Amador & Orange county fairs. 
> Price: $20 (750ml); $13 (375ml)  [ Back to Top ]

2005 barbera (Sierra Foothills)     SOLD-OUT     

Luscious & rich, with intense cherry/raspberry/plum notes, low tannin and a velvety lingering finish.  A real stunner and a worthy successor to our 2004 !

Silver Medal, 2008 CA State Fair. 
> Price: $25 (750ml) [ Back to Top ]

2006 Titan v (Sierra Foothills)      SOLD-OUT

This wine is an "assemblage" of Zinfandel and Barbera.  It is a study in contrast (Zin pepperiness vs Barbera red fruitiness) and resonance (intense cherry notes from both).  Very versatile, this smooth and intense wine is as tasty on its own as it is a wonderful match for barbeque, pizza and even cherry pie !  
> Price: $19 (750ml) [ Back to Top ] 

2005 sauvignon blanc musquÉ (Lake County)  SOLD-OUT

      
Little known Sauvignon Blanc grape clone with a Muscat lineage, presenting a wonderful tropical fruit & “grassiness” balance and contrast.

Bronze Medal, 2007 San Francisco International Wine Competition.
> Price: $16 (750ml) [ Back to Top ]

2005 Titan vI (Sierra Foothills)  SOLD-OUT      

A blend of Petite Sirah and Barbera, or a marriage of dark berry and red berry characters, this generous wine respects the varietal clarity of its parents, while still managing to project a smooth personality of its own.  Thoroughly enjoyable !  
> Price: $19 (750ml) [ Back to Top ]

2004 CAbernet sauvignon (Sierra Foothills)   SOLD-OUT   

A superb Cabernet Sauvignon nose, friendly tannins and a long finish capture the essence of this wine. No need for an over-priced "monster" Napa cab to enjoy a full-flavored, but approachable wine.

Bronze Medal, 2007 California State Fair and San Francisco International Wine Competitions.

> Price: $21 (750ml) [ Back to Top ] 

2005 souvenir PORT (Sierra Foothills)   SOLD-OUT 

An intense and smooth blend of five traditional port varieties originating from the Douro Valley in Portugal, this versatile wine pairs wonderfully with dark chocolate or a blue-veined cheese. Equally, it is a rich & classy choice for sipping by the fireside. 

To enjoy now or as a souvenir for the ages !
> Price: $18 (500ml) [ Back to Top ]

2004 CAbernet franc   (Sierra Foothills)    SOLD-OUT 

Intensely varietal expression of this wonderful wine, but without the excessive herbaceousness sometimes encountered with this variety.  Balance between the various wine components is always a main objective for Solune wines and this release is a particularly successful example of this synergistic vision.   

Gold medal, California State Fair (& Best Sierra Foothills Cabernet Franc and, at 94 pts, the top scoring Cabernet Franc in California), as well as Silver medals at the 2007 Amador County Fair, El Dorado County Fair and the San Francisco International wine competitions.

> Price: $22 (750ml) [ Back to Top ]  

2004 Merlot (Monterey)        SOLD-OUT

Merlot used to be a favorite of Jacques' before its overwhelming popularity resulted in the over-production of generic & bland wines which lacked the personality that Merlots were once famous for.  Our Merlot is intended to set the record straight and show that this wine can indeed have a distinct, appealing, and interesting personality.  On the intense nose, classical plum pudding aromas share the stage with toasty vanilla and nutmeg notes.  In the balanced mouth, a medium but friendly tannin structure leads to a long spicy finish. This smooth wine can be enjoyed on its own but has enough oomph to hold its own with any red meat dish.
> Price: $18 (750ml) [ Back to Top ] 

2004 Titan IV (Sierra Foothills)   SOLD-OUT

Full-flavored red blend of our 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon (1/3) and our enormously popular 2004 Barbera (2/3).   Snapped up by those Barbera lovers missing the '04,  this wine sold out in a month.  Gold Medal, Amador County Fair 2007.
> Price: $18 (750ml) [ Back to Top ] 

2004 Tempranillo  (Sierra Foothills)  SOLD-OUT

Our Tempranillo is a wonderful Northern Sierra rendition of this variety idolized in Spain and rapidly gaining popularity in this part of the world.  The name of the grape, "Tempranillo", means "a little early" in Spanish and refers to its early ripening properties, making it a perfect match for mountain growing.  Aromas of strawberry, cinnamon and vanilla characterize the nose, continuing with great oak integration and a long & smooth finish in the mouth.  We have yet to find someone who does not like this wine.  Double Gold Medal, Amador County Fair 2006.
> Price: $21 (750ml) [ Back to Top ]

2004 Titan III (Sierra Foothills)     SOLD-OUT

A blend of two noble varieties (Syrah & Cabernet Franc), this Titan is a medium bodied wine with a long finish. Strong cherry notes dominate both in the nose and the mouth. Although there is not a drop of Pinot Noir in this wine, its style will appeal to Pinot Noir lovers (like Jacques) with its silkiness and friendly/moderate tannins.
> Price: $17 (750ml) [ Back to Top ]  

2004 Syrah (Sierra Foothills)    SOLD-OUT

Perfect balance between fruit and oak characterizes this full body & very smooth wine The lingering finish will leave your mouth feeling happy.  This wine is evolving very nicely in the bottle, with each bottle opened even smoother than the previous one.

A very popular wine !
> Price: $17 (750ml) [ Back to Top ]  

2003 SYrah (Sierra Foothills)   SOLD OUT     

This wine is from the same grape source as the very smooth '04 Syrah already released. It benefits from an additional year of "élevage" and is intensified by the addition of 10% Petite Sirah. On the nose, cherry and raspberry dominate, with hints of vanilla and black pepper. A burst of the same berries take over in the mouth, leading to a long and well-balanced finish. Although this wine is ready to drink now, it will benefit from further bottle "vieillissement", in the same way its younger brother is developing.
> Price: $19 (750ml) [ Back to Top ]

2004 Petite Sirah (Clarksburg)   SOLD OUT     

This is a great example of how much the nose of a wine can develop after it has been opened.  The first nose of this Petite Sirah displays intense blueberry aromas, with fleeting notes of plum, which gradually cross-fade to a rich smokiness complementing the persisting blueberry.  No such transition in the mouth. Blackberry flavors take hold of your taste buds from the start, but with the added dimension of the generous but smooth varietal tannins.  A long, powerful and velvety finish follows.  The French term "charnu" (chewy), definitely applies to this fine Petite Sirah specimen. 
> Price: $22 (750ml) [ Back to Top ]  

2004 Titan II (Sierra Foothills)   SOLD OUT     

Red table blend of Petite Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Tempranillo - all great wines on their own, but combined in a synergistic manner in this full-flavored "assemblage". The intense nose is dominated by mixed berry aromas (strawberry from Tempranillo and blueberry from Petite Sirah), with a hint of cinnamon (from Tempranillo) and white pepper (from Cabernet Franc). The dark color announces generous fruit extraction and full body in the mouth. Firm but friendly tannins from the Petite Sirah and a well balanced and lingering finish also characterize this wine. A worthy successor to Titan I, in the same full-flavored and friendly tradition.
> Price: $17 (750ml) [ Back to Top ]

2004 Petite Sirah (Sierra Foothills)   SOLD OUT  `

Tasters either adore this variety or hate it, usually for the same reasons:  It is a big, often rustic, inky dark wine with a generous tannin structure.  Aimed squarely at Petite Sirah lovers, nothing about this Solune Petite Sirah will bridge the gap between these 2 camps.  Definitely not for the faint of heart! 

Gold Medal, Amador County Fair 2006.

Silver Medal (91 pts), CA State Fair 2006.
> Price: $22 (750ml) [ Back to Top ]

2004 Cinq Etoiles (Sierra Foothills - Estate)   SOLD OUT

A traditional blend of all 5 principal Bordeaux varietals (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec), all grown in our own estate vineyard.  This intense wine embodies a level of complexity only attainable when all 5 components are present.  A rare delight!

Silver Medal, Orange County Fair 2006.
> Price: $18 (750ml) [ Back to Top ]

2004 Barbera (Sierra Foothills)    SOLD OUT

A definite California incarnation of this usually lighter Italian variety, the deep ruby color of our Barbera announces the intense cherry & raspberry aromas and flavors characterizing this wine, complemented with a nice touch of toastiness coming from the heavy toast level used during oak aging.  On another level, a very interesting and successful balancing act is attained with this wine, where the higher acidity often found in Barbera is completely balanced by the 16.6% alcohol and the fruit intensity.  Quite unique and one of Jacques' favorite.

Gold Medal, Orange County Fair 2006.

Gold Medal, Amador County Fair 2006.
> Price: $24 (750ml) [ Back to Top ]

2004 Fleur de Lune (Sierra Foothills - Estate)   SOLD OUT

This off-dry blend combines 45% Muscat Blanc (Canelli), 35% Orange Muscat and 20% Gewurztraminer from our own vineyard and the 3% residual sugar is perfectly balanced by the acidity, providing a refreshing finish.  The tug-of-war between these dominant grape varieties results in a tasting equivalent of a M.C. Escher optical illusion, where each variety takes turn in dominating your palate. Quite intriguing and very sensuous!  This wine was also a favorite at last year's events, even for red wine lovers who usually pass on these types of wines (all it took was one whiff!).  The volume of this release is particularly small and we expect to sell out quickly (maximum quantity per person will apply).  We believe these varieties have a great future in our vineyard and we will expand its production to meet demand.

Silver Medal, Orange County Fair 2006.
> Price: $12 (375ml) [ Back to Top ] 

2004 Titan I (Sierra Foothills)   SOLD OUT

Our Titan series of red table wine will be released one barrel (25 cases) at a time, each bearing a new and never-repeated Roman number.  This name was chosen because these wines are made entirely from the press fraction of each of the other wines we release individually and represent the most extracted part of the wine. 

Some of this powerful fraction is blended back into the free run fraction if Jacques judges the original wine could benefit from added extraction.  The rest is gradually blended together until barrels are successively filled, each a unique and, like its label number, never-repeated blend.  For example, Titan I is a blend of Syrah, Merlot and Petite Sirah in unknown proportions (unusual combination but the wine is just unbelievable).  Fining is done shortly before bottling if some smoothing out is needed (it is, after all, the most extracted part of the wine).

So, always a surprise in store with this series (but we will only release blends we feel work well together) and a great value!

Silver Medal, El Dorado County Fair 2006.
> Price: $16 (750ml) [ Back to Top ]