belle-of-the-ball

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

  • 97 Points
    International Wine Report
    August 2023
  • 98 Points
    Wine Advocate
    August 2023
  • 94 Points
    Wine Spectator
    August 2023
  • 95 Points
    Somm Journal
    August 2023
  • 95 Points
    Jeb Dunnuck
    August 2023
  • 95 Points
    Wine Enthusiast
    August 2023
  • 94 Points
    Vinous
    August 2023
  • 96 Points
    Cellar Selection
    Wine Enthusiast
    November 2021
  • 95 Points
    Vinous
    October 2021
  • 96 Points
    Somm Journal
    September 2021
  • 96 Points
    Jeb Dunnuck
    August 2021