About Solena Estate

About Solena Estate

 

Established in 2002, Solena Estate is located in Yamhill, OR and is part of the Willamette Valley Wine Country. They specialize in Pinot Noir, which grows well in this region of the United States. This area lies within the Marine west coast climate zone, meaning summers are relatively warm and nights cool. However, due to the proximity to the Pacific, temperatures in the region are well moderated. This is perfect for Pinot Noir, as these grapes are highly sensitive to heat. The Willamette Valley also contains soils that allow growers to produce healthy grapes that ripen well. Laurent and Danielle Montalieu, the husband and wife team who founded Solena Estate, picked this region for its viticulture strengths. Along with a winery, Solena Estate also operates a tasting room in Yamhill where visitors can sample wines from their collection. They also offer tours of their winery.  

History

 

Before establishing Solena Estate, Laurent and Danielle Montalieu both had successful careers in the wine industry. In 2000, they purchased the 80-acre estate in commemoration of their marriage. They bottled their first vintage (a Domaine Danielle Laurent Pinot Noir) and launched the business in 2002. They also opened a tasting room in Carlton. The name of the estate is a combination of the French and Spanish words Soleil and Solana, both meaning sun.

Solena Estate was initially a way for Laurent and Danielle to explore varietals being grown in surrounding appellations while their Domaine Danielle Laurent Vineyard matured. They eventually added the Hyland Vineyard located in the McMinnville AVA to their estate holdings. Solena Estate now produces Pinot Noir sourced from their own estate vineyards. They also produce Zinfandel, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Riesling sourced from selected Oregon and Washington State vineyards.

Wines

 

Although Solena Estate produces a number of different styles, Pinot Noir is what they’re known for. Their 2017 Vintage Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is made from 99% Pinot Noir and 1% Gewurztraminer. This is a summertime favorite that contains notes of Asian Pear and Meyer lemon zest. There are also hints of orange blossom and honeysuckle which help form a sharp, refreshing palate. The 2015 Domaine Danielle Laurent Pinot Noir is a good example of the terroir Solena Estate prides itself on. Aromas include plum, black cherry, and wild herb. On the palate, this wine has finely layered tannins with notes of cedar and black fruit. This wine will be at its strongest after 2020.

The 2015 Vintage Hyland Vineyard Pinot Noir provides an earthy complexity. Aromatic hints of ground peppercorn and black raspberries are present. On the palate, cured tobacco, spice, wild strawberry, and black tea are found. This wine has a medium body with a sharp acidity. It will age well through 2022. Finally, the 2015 Vintage Zena Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir shows the unique terroir of the vineyard. Its aromas include Oolong tea, crushed violets, and sweet mocha. This wine has a very silky composition with flavors of vanilla, cherry, cinnamon along with well-rounded tannins. It should age well through 2020.

 

 

 

Meta: Solena Estate in the Willamette Valley AVA creates beautiful Pinot Noir and other varietals. Learn more about this independent winery and tasting room. 

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