The history of Solitary Cellars is a unique one. The principals have over 40 years of experience in law enforcement, working in California’s most dangerous prisons. After making thousands of visits to wineries all over California, they decided to combine their knowledge of criminal supervision and their love of wine to start Solitary Cellars Wine Company. Their mission is to provide customers with a unique and memorable wine experience. First, and foremost, is the wine. They are dedicated to the art of wine making and the use of the natural flavors, tannins and color found in the world famous California grapes. With the winery located in Lodi, California they have access to the finest fruit from the most pristine and sustainable vineyards on the planet including the Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Lodi, the Santa Lucia Highlands, Paso Robles, Santa Barbera county and of course, the Central Valley.

This unique position to have access to California’s finest varietals makes it possible for Solitary Cellars to produce deeply complex, rich and tasteful wines. The winery’s total emphasis is on quality: quality fruit, quality care and quality wines. The wines sell at most for $31, most in the $25-$27 range which makes them irresistible. The company likes to say they make wines without restraints. But we found their wines sensitively calibrated. We tasted the 2014 Code Three Red Wine Blend and found it light and bright. A bottle of 2012 Liberty Oak Tempranillo was earthy. 2013 Evasion Syrah Rose was semi-sweet, crisp and clean. Their 2013 Monterey Pinot Noir was rich and ripe with cherry and had a delicate soft finish. Other bottles we tasted—Zinfandel, Barbera, and Albarino were busting with fruit and creaminess. The Old Vine Zinfandel is very rich and complex, a classic Lodi masterpiece. Visit http://www.solitarycellars.com