Stolpman Vineyards Estate Syrah 2019

Stolpman Vineyards Estate Syrah has long been the flagship of Stolpman Vineyards. Dense, almost black centre with a cherry red rim. The nose opens with delicate red fruits and a hint of tar. Fleshy mouthfeel that envelops fine tannins and a bright acidity on the full-bodied palate. Fresh boysenberry, red cherry and raspberry flavours are backed up by hints of dried herbs, smoke and cedar.

100% Syrah. Includes the oldest “original” vines in Ballard Canyon planted throughout the 1990s as well as the mature high density and own-rooted vineyards planted in the 2000s. Some of the newest, revolutionary pre-clonal massal selection Syrah also makes its way into this wine. Ballard Canyon has cold nights and a short period of daytime warmth in between Pacific fog and cool wind. Stolpman’s limestone subsoil elevates the bright natural acidity and Ruben Solorzano’s refusal to give the vines irrigation during much of the always-dry growing season lends terrific concentration.

After 50% whole-cluster fermentation in concrete, this wine spent 10 months in 100% neutral French oak.

Ageing potential: will only begin to peak in 3–4 years, cellar until 2032.

AWARDS & ACCOLADES

 - 94 POINTS

The 2019 Syrah Estate Grown is superb. Bright, rich and juicy, the 2019 captures all the qualities that make Ballard Canyon wines so compelling. Blue/purplish fruit, scorched earth, licorice, chocolate and cured meats all saturate the palate. Some of the other Syrah's are more potent, but the Estate often has the best balance.

- 91 POINTS

The 2019 Stolpman Vineyards Ballard Canyon Syrah is packed and attractive on the palate. TASTING NOTES: This wine exhibits pleasing aromas and flavors of black fruit, anise, and hints of oak. Try it with a well-spiced, oven-roasted Porchetta. (Tasted: May 26, 2021, San Francisco, CA)

- 91 POINTS

The 2019 Syrah Estate Grown offers a kiss of game and bacon fat as well as textbook dark fruits and peppery, violet-laced aromas and flavors. Medium to full-bodied, well-made, fruit-forward, and delicious, I’d happily drink a glass.