Last August, when I went on my “Sideways” tour in search of Ballard Canyon Syrahs, we stopped at Stolpman. I wrote all about it here: https://decantingmonterey.com/stolpman-delivers-a-world-class-experience-sideways-part-3/. But there was one Syrah they didn’t have open and would not open for me to taste – their Hilltops Syrah. I purchased one to taste later. And we did. I think we probably should have let it sit a bit longer, but curiosity got the best of me.
I won’t repeat everything I wrote up about Stolpman in my last post, but encourage you to check it out to learn more. Let’s just get to the Hilltops. Today I am reviewing just the one Stolpman wine. Winery notes come from their webpage, where you can also purchase their wines. Any errors are mine and mine alone.
2017 Stolpman Vineyards Hilltops Syrah, Ballard Canyon AVA, Santa Barbara County, 14.1% ABV, $52 (#893)
BACKGROUND
“We first vineyard designated this cuvee from the modern-day Hilltops block in 2008, only 4 years after replanting the Estate’s center ridge to a variety of our favorite Syrah strains and clones. Since then, we have refined the Hilltops cuvee into a tight selection of our favorite micro-blocks within the greater hilltop. Prior to 2008, the Hilltops wine came from a barrel selection of Syrah from all three ridges on the vineyard. Those grapes are now blended into the main Estate Grown Syrah cuvee.
VINTAGE
“2019 marked the second vintage in a row without harvest-time heat spikes. Facial Expressions around the team conveyed our shared thoughts and feelings without saying a word – a certain giddiness that we had a shot at replaying 2018 armed with that year of heat-free experience. And, the acids were hanging even higher and fresher than 2018. The Tell of the vintage is extremely energetic, high-toned red wine that will age well over a decade.
SENSORY
“Opaque tarry dark fruit kissed with lavender and backed with sage and mint. Fine, feathery and elegant with a playful prettiness in its youth – but we can’t wait to check in on the 2019 Hilltops in 3-5 years once unfurled.”
My Review: Slightly sweet nose of raspberry, yeast, lavender, cocoa and alcohol. Rich plum, blackberry, some vanilla. Improved after opening up. I do think we should have waited to open this to get its full potential, but we liked it anyway. Love me my Ballard Canyon AVA Syrahs! November 2022Visit: You can taste Stolpman wines at their tasting room in the center of Los Olivos: 2434 Alamo Pintado Avenue. You can make a reservation on-line or give them a call at 1-805-688-0400. I reserved on-line and it was very easy! We sat on a picnic bench in the shade. As I said before, “If you can only stop at one place to taste wines in Los Olivos, I’d definitely stop here!”
© Decanting Monterey 2023
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