REVIEWS
WINE
Solicantus Melodie du Sol Entre-Deux-Mers 2023
“One of the strongest reviews found. The wine was praised as a bright, fresh white Bordeaux with strong acidity and elegant aromatic character.”
-Forbes
Solicantus Melodie du Sol 2020
“A dry, full-bodied Bordeaux red with ripe dark fruits, herbal notes, spice, and concentration. The wine is made mainly from Merlot and aged in French oak.”
-Natalie Maclean/Jane Staples
Solicantus Melodie du Sol Blanc 2023
A fresh, unoaked white Bordeaux with citrus, herbal notes, tropical fruit, and a rounded, silky palate.
-Wine Align
Solicantus Red
“Consumer rating shows positive response, with the wine generally described as smooth, tannic, and suitable for Bordeaux red lovers.”
-Vivino
Solicantus Melodie du Sol Entre-Deux-Mers 2019
“A ripe and balanced white Bordeaux. Sauvignon Gris gives the wine an attractive perfumed character.”
- Wine Enthusiast
Solicantus Blanc 2023
“Described with bright lemon colour, a perfumed aromatic nose, and floral and tropical notes.”-Decanter
Solicantus Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux 2018
“Described as an enjoyable Merlot-dominated Bordeaux red with ripe autumnal fruits, soft approachable tannins, cedar, vanilla bean, and an easy-drinking style.”
-Decanter
“Solicantus Melodie du Sol Rouge 2020
Reviewed as a strong improvement from earlier vintages, with notes of ripe plums, blackberries, fine spice, vanilla, and tobacco. The wine is described as balanced, rich, and thoughtfully oaked.”
-Wine Align
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Solicantus Melodie du Sol Blanc 2023
“Described as fragrant and expressive, with white flowers, citrus, orchard fruit, peach, apricot, pear, orange blossom, crisp acidity, and minerality.” -Natalie MacLean / Jane Staples
Solicantus Melodie du Sol Rouge 2020
“A user review mentions ripe raspberry, plum, violet, leather, cocoa, and subtle earthiness, with a balanced Bordeaux style.”
- Cellar Tracker
Solicantus Melodie du Sol 2018
“A ripe and textured Bordeaux red from old vines. The review highlights its density from Merlot, spicy character, perfumed oak ageing, and berry fruit.”
-Wine Enthusiast
BOOK
"I've never read a story like this one. The author's life within a stifling marriage in India, and her literal journey to break free, is only part of the book. She arrives in Bordeaux, France, determined to start over and then send for her daughter, who's still in India. I rooted for her as she rescued her daughter as she learned the wine business and eventually became an international success in that field. This is a wonderful read, with plenty for book clubs to discuss as well."
- Gabi Coatsworth, author of Love's Journey Home, A Beginner's Guide to Starting Over, A field guide to library ghosts.
“All expat stories I know are tales of radical reinvention – Nam’s more than most. She has found her voice though winemaking. Readers will admire her courage and passion.” .
- Elizabeth Bard, author of Lunch in Paris, Picnic in Provence and Dinner Chez Moi.
“Namratha Stanley humanizes the wine industry, offering a peek into the darkest cellars, historic vineyards, and esteemed auctions. But the delight of such a life is tinged with trauma and struggle, which she ultimately, happily, triumphs through.”
-Amy Thomas, author of Paris, My Sweet and Brooklyn In Love.
“Namratha’s story is so inspirational, so real, and written from the heart. Forget about Eat, Pray, Love…and drink in the world, fight for your future. Her journey is a battle cry to all women—no matter what country they are from. She is brave, strong, and her voice sings off the page. She brings us, the reader, on an emotional ride from Bangalore to Bordeaux with many twists along the way. No spoilers... But, ultimately , her story is about a mother’s love for her daughter and doing whatever it takes to create/blend a new beautiful life…one grape at a time. Cheers! Raise a glass! To Namratha! Cheers to new starts and second chances!”
-Samantha Verant , author of Seven Letters From Paris, The Lucky Widow, The Private Chef and many more books.
“A powerful, moving and inspirational story of what happens when you refuse to be defined by tragedy, and allow the unexpected into your life.”
-Jane Aneson, wine critic and author of Inside Bordeaux
“Vineyard Melody is a harrowing story of escaping a toxic marriage, but more than that it's a powerful testament of following one's dream, especially when that dream leads to the French wine country. Namratha Stanley is a marvelous storyteller and hers is a story we can all toast! Santé! .” .
- Susan Blumberg-Kason, author of Bernardine's Shanghai Salon and Good Chinese Wife.
“A story of resilience and reinvention. A woman who dared to dream beyond the borders she was born into and reinvent herself in the sun-soaked vineyards of France. A gorgeously told story to sip and savour.”
- Janice MacLeod, author of Paris Letters
"From a restrictive and abusive marriage to the enchanting world of wine and vineyards, Namratha Stanley's memoir is a powerful story of resilience, strength, and the unbreaking love of a mother."
- Lyn Liao Butler, bestselling author of The Fourth Daughter
"What price would you pay for love? In VINEYARD MELODY, Namratha Stanley searches for freedom as she grapples with her controlling husband and her in-laws’ expectations and strict rules. Trapped in traditional married life in India, her wings were clipped—but when she immerses herself in Bordeaux’s wine community, she sprouts a vibrant new set of feathers and learns how to soar on her own. Moving and inspiring, Stanley proves it’s never too late to reinvent yourself and live life on your own terms."
- Kristin Vuković, award-winning author of The Cheesemaker’s Daughter