Appearance: Deep, luscious mahogany with amber highlights, exhibiting the richness and complexity developed through the Solera aging process. The wine coats the glass with slow, syrupy legs, showcasing its viscosity and concentration.
Nose: The bouquet is intense and aromatic, with layers of dried fruits, spices, and caramelized nuances. Aromas of ripe blackberry jam, dried figs, and raisins mingle with hints of dark chocolate, roasted coffee beans, and toasted almonds. Subtle notes of vanilla, cinnamon, and clove add depth and complexity, while a touch of orange zest lends a vibrant lift.
Palate: Full-bodied and velvety-smooth, with a luxurious mouthfeel that coats the palate. Flavors of dark fruit preserves, including blackberry compote, plum jam, and cherry liqueur, dominate, layered with hints of caramel, toffee, and molasses. The wine's sweetness is perfectly balanced by well-integrated acidity, creating a harmonious and satisfying palate sensation.
Mouthfeel: Opulent and decadent, with a velvety texture that glides across the palate. The wine's rich, syrupy viscosity adds weight and depth, while its silky-smooth tannins provide structure and balance. Despite its sweetness, the wine maintains a sense of elegance and poise, with a long, lingering finish that leaves a lasting impression.
Overall Impression: Solstice Reserve's Solera Zinfandel Port is a true masterpiece of winemaking, combining the richness and depth of Zinfandel grapes with the complexity and refinement of the Solera aging process. Luxurious, indulgent, and utterly captivating, it offers a sensory experience like no other. Enjoy this Port on its own as a decadent after-dinner treat or pair it with rich desserts like flourless chocolate cake, crème brûlée, or aged cheeses for a truly unforgettable dining experience.
GOLD MEDAL! – 90 Points! 2025 San Diego Wine Makers Challenge
Crafted in the solera tradition and aged in heavy-toast American oak, this Port-style Late Harvest Zinfandel is a wine of pure enchantment. Its velvety texture and deep, layered flavors invite you to linger. Notes of spicy toffee, kisses of rich dark chocolate, and hints of coffee entwine with luscious overripe fruit, creating a tapestry of indulgence. On the palate, blackberry compote, plum jam, and cherry liqueur unfold in luxurious harmony, accented by caramel and molasses. Balanced sweetness and vibrant acidity deliver a finish that feels endless—an experience to savor slowly, like a dream you never want to wake from. Pair with dark chocolate truffles, blue cheese, flourless chocolate cake, or simply a quiet evening by the fire.
Spicy toffee, rich dark chocolate, coffee and traces of overripe fruit arouse the senses. This complex “Port Style” late harvest Zinfandel is aged in heavy toast American Oak, set up in a solera style aging process before being bottled, lending itself to rich complexity and consistent essences. Very limited production.
Solera - Spanish for "from the floor". The solera system was started in Spain for their production of Sherry. There are many soleras in Spain that are over 100 years old. What makes the solera so unique, it is never emptied. We only draw about 1/3 from the barrel and the other 2/3 remains for the next year. We have four barrels in each solera. The last barrel is called the Solera, and the other 3 barrels are called, Criaderas, "nurseries". The wine for bottling is drawn from the solera and the wine from the criadera refills the solera. The criadera above that refills, and so on. The new wine from the production year goes in the first criadera. The result is a tawny port that is rich, full of flavor and is nearly indestuctable to time.
This solera was started in 2002 and this year we'll be celebrating its 20 year!!
