Danielle Andrus and Laurent Montalieu’s “Solena” story is iconic, both romantic and historic. Danielle’s father, Gary Andrus, was one of the Pinot Noir pioneers of the Willamette Valley. He is famously known for bringing “suitcase clones” of Burgundy Pinot Noir vines to Oregon. He gifted Laurent and Danielle five acres of vineyards, on which they were eventually married. It’s a special vineyard and produces special Willamette Valley Pinots.
This is a bold, dark red fruited Yamhill-Carlton pinot noir, born from one of Willamette Valley’s stellar vintages. 2023 was warm and afforded winemaker Laurent the luxury of picking at ideal phenolic ripeness. The vineyard is comprised of sedimentary soils, typically yielding ripe fruit and textural wines in ideal years.
The wine is full-bodied with fine-grained tannins that assure aging potential. This is drinkable now, but you’ll be rewarded for holding it for four to seven years.
Read Laurent’s Wine Characters interview here and learn more about their brand.