
SOLOMON HILLS ESTATE
Belle of the Ball Chardonnay
Belle of the Ball Chardonnay represents the pinnacle of Solomon Hills Estate. Showcasing the vibrant minerality and acidity that make Solomon Hills Vineyard so special, its delicate handling in the cellar empowers it to unlock an incredible balance of exuberance and grace.
Vintage | 2020 |
Varietal | Chardonnay |
Appellation | Santa Maria Valley |
Sourced exclusively from 22-year old vines planted at the top of the hill where the sandy soils start to give way to rock, this wine is truly a unique expression of Chardonnay from Solomon Hills. Hand-harvested at night and whole-cluster pressed, Belle of the Ball is then barrel fermented using native yeast and 100% malolactic fermentation. Sur lie aged on >50% new French oak, it goes into the bottle unfined and unfiltered. Named in honor of Captain Robert Miller’s wife Elizabeth, the matriarch of Miller Family, Belle of the Ball is our smallest production Chardonnay overall, and has launched with great critical fanfare.
Accolades
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97 PointsInternational Wine ReportAugust 2023
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98 PointsWine AdvocateAugust 2023
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94 PointsWine SpectatorAugust 2023
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95 PointsSomm JournalAugust 2023
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95 PointsJeb DunnuckAugust 2023
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95 PointsWine EnthusiastAugust 2023
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94 PointsVinousAugust 2023
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96 PointsCellar SelectionWine EnthusiastNovember 2021
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95 PointsVinousOctober 2021
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96 PointsSomm JournalSeptember 2021
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96 PointsJeb DunnuckAugust 2021