Solera 1

The Tasting Panel

“Elite Reds Report”

“This reserve-style red blend features Nebbiolo, Nerello Mascalese, Carignane, Zinfandel, and Barbera from multiple vintages dating back to 2016. Organic, dry-farmed mountain fruit sits at an elevation of 2,000 feet on Centennial Mountain Vineyard. Streamlined tannins attach to the teeth, chalky and dry. Acidity is taut, with a bright glow of raspberry, rose petals, hibiscus, and cherrywood. Italian herbs season the fruit and oak, while texturizing the palate.” 95 Points: Classic

-Meridith May, September 2025

Vinous

“Centennial Mountain is a new range from Rhys that takes the place of Aeris. In short, all the Aeris wines have now been folded into Centennial Mountain, while the Italian Aeris wines have been discontinued. In my view, that greater focus is going to be a positive. The 2021s are seriously impressive across the board.”

NV Centennial Mountain Solera 1

“The NV Solera No. 1 is a Nebbiolo-based blend, with smaller bits of Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio, Zinfandel, Primitivo and Barbera, done in a perpetual reserve style as is common in Champagne, in this case spanning 2022 to 2017 (there is no 2020). Exotic and layered in the glass, the No. 1 offers up sweet red cherry fruit, orange peel, mint, cinnamon and cedar. This is a serious wine with the tannic spine of Nebbiolo to back it up.” 93 Points: Outstanding. A wine of remarkable personality and breed that is well worth seeking out.”

-Antonio Galloni, January 2025

Vinography

“Dark ruby in the glass with garnet highlights, this wine smells of cherry, strawberry jam, chopped herbs, and citrus peel. In the mouth, bright orange peel and red berry flavors mix with dried herbs and licorice root as powdery tannins descend like a weighted fleece blanket on the palate. Excellent acidity and a nice earthy, stony quality. A blend of Nebbiolo, Nerello Mascalese, Carignan, Primitivo, and Barbera across multiple vintages beginning in 2016.” 9 out of 10 Points

-Alder Yarrow, June 2025