| Producer | Stolpman |
| Country | United States |
| Region | Santa Barbara County |
| Subregion | Ballard Canyon |
| Varietal | Syrah |
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Sku | 16056 |
| Size | 750ml |
Vinification: 50% De-Stemmed, 50% whole-cluster Vatting/Fermentation Native fermentation in concrete ranging from 15 to 25 days. Cooperage & Elevage: 100% Neutral French Ermitage 500L Oak Puncheons for 9 months 14% Alc by Vol
BACKGROUND
Estate Grown Syrah has long been the flagship of Stolpman Vineyards and the standard bearer of the entire Syrah-focused Ballard Canyon AVA. The Estate Grown Syrah cuvee 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 “main” Syrah bottling. Year after year, the wine’s richness + liveliness 1-2 combo showcases Ballard Canyon’s cold nights and the short period of daytime warmth in between Pacific fog and cool wind. Stolpman’s Limestone subsoil elevates the bright natural acidity. Ruben Solorzano’s refusal to give the vines irrigation during much of the always-dry growing season lends terrific concentration.
VINTAGE
A second year of drought reduced our 2022 yields and led to a small crop. Our vines naturally set only a few tiny clusters each, resetting themselves after over-delivering a healthy 2021 yield despite the lack of rain. A Labor Day heatwave further intensified the ripe flavor concentration of the tiny clusters. As is typical, despite the lower yields and heat-compacted harvest, we picked Estate Syrah throughout a 5 week period, strategically nailing each exposure and vine-density at ideal balance.
SENSORY
In its youth, 2022 Estate Grown Syrah carries a torch of intense, high toned red fruit with a captivating fleshy texture. Delicately silky yet deceivingly thick and round mouthfeel backed by playfully chalky tannin. Ripe, dense cherry and fiery red plum shine brightness through the palate. A wine of flare and unabashed confidence, certainly a high water mark for the flagship Estate Grown Syrah cuvee.
Tasted from tank prior to botting, the 2022 Syrah Estate Grown is super-promising. It shows the intensity of the year, and yet also remains light on its feet. The 2022 might be one of the best ever here. Best of all, it should be a steal.
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