Solar Fortun, Guadalupe Valley (Baja California, Mexico) 2021

 This a small, family owned venture with the father running the business and the U.C. Davis-trained son making the wines.  Vineyard development began in 2008, and all of the vines were acquired from a Napa Valley nursery.  In their new winery opened in 2020, the family focuses on Rhône and Bordeaux inspired wines.  Meaning berry berry, “Baya Baya” is an equal blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot.  The juice is fermented separately, then blended and aged in 6 months in French oak.  Deep garnet in color, the wine opens up with some aeration to show vibrant plum and eucalyptus aromas.  Medium bodied and tightly structured, the wine has similar dark plum flavors along with traces of pepper and oak tannin.  It finishes with youthful astringency and would benefit from 2 to 3 years of cellaring. This distinctive red and the winery’s lovely Mourvedre Rosé are available in several US markets.