Stolpman Among Best of Santa Barbara
On Sunday at the Grape Escape we poured Stolpman Vineyard’s La Cuadrilla and it was a huge hit. Their whole portfolio is definitely worth checking out as these wines punch well above their price points. Elegance and pure fruit, Stolpman continues to show the world how amazing American wines can be!
Stolpman Vineyards’ story is reminiscent of the early pioneers of American winegrowing; they started with a dream of cultivating the land with their family and producing world class wine. Since then, their family has grown to include a full-time staff of over 30 people and their grapes have brought Ballard Canyon AVA to the forefront of California Syrah and beyond.
To be clear, there really isn’t a linear, singular Stolpman story here – rather, there are what feels like dozens of important and pivotal stories that come together to make Stolpman, Stolpman. To preview, Peter’s father, Tom Stolpman, didn’t just happen upon limestone-laden vineyards in Santa Barbara County, he sought them out, specifically (see our first question below). The vineyard was founded in 1988, but Ballard Canyon didn’t become a proper AVA of its own until 2013, due in part because of Stolpman. There’s Ruben, an actual ‘Grape Whisperer’ and the keeper of these vineyards since 1994, who seems to have infinite knowledge of the vines that he works with (see our fifth question). We could go on, and on, and on, and on…
There are the traditional Estate Syrahs (of which we have library vintages), the traditional La Cuadrilla and Para Maria, whereby all profits go to the vineyard staff and the So Fresh series of unique, natural wines with character and precision. Check out the new wines and the new vintages of the wines you've grown to love!
The Pinot Gris and Orange Muscat co-ferment provides a reddish orange tint while the Gewurztraminer brings a pink peach tone. The Semillon adds a bright yellow tint to bring the final blend back to an orange hue. Pinot Gris lends savoury rich layers, while the Gewurztraminer brings ripe aromatic aromas and feathery mid-palate stuffing. The tropical orange muscat becomes integrated into the Gewurztraminer while the Semillon brings the finish of the wine to a high-acid crunch. Overall the wine shows firm, quenching citrus fruit with loads of mashable, mouth-filling tactile yumminess.
Blend: 50% Pinot Gris, 35% Orange Muscat, 15% Gewurztraminer