The phrase "cycle minimum" refers to the lowest point or level in a repeating pattern or cycle. It represents the point in a cycle where something is at its smallest or lowest value. Full definition
And while we experienced an exceptionally long solar cycle minimum over the past several years, 2010 tied for the hottest year on record. (skepticalscience.com)
The poles can be stronger at cycle minimum because there is less left over sunspot canceling flux heading in that direction. (landscheidt.info)
To make the story very short (and indeed it went on more and more and more and almost lead the mild mannered T to close up the comments) Svalgaard propounds (go read Tamino) that there is no difference in solar insolation between solar cycle minima extending back to the year dot, and the year dot includes our beloved Maunder minima. (rabett.blogspot.ru)