Stolpman Vineyards Estate Grown Syrah 2018

Stolpman Vineyards was founded by husband and wife team Tom & Marilyn Stolpman. On their honeymoon in Napa Valley, Marilyn put the wild idea into Tom’s head about one day owning a vineyard. In 1988 their search for limestone near the ocean ended with the purchase of what is now Stolpman Vineyards in Ballard Canyon AVA of Santa Barbara County. 

In 1994, Ruben “the Grape Whisperer” and his wife Maria Solorzano became the vineyard managers at Stolpman – employing a year-round team and empowering them through mentorship and a profit sharing program. Tom’s son Peter joined the family business in 2009 after working for a reputable wine distributor. Since he joined the team, he took back the majority of the vineyard for wine production rather than selling the grapes.

93 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Medium ruby purple, the 2018 Syrah Estate opens with bright, fresh blackcurrants, aniseed, tar and laurel on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied with lifted, juicy, floral-laced fruits and finishes long and uplifted.

92 Points - Wine Enthusiast

Clean aromas of boysenberry, wet stone and sifted ash show on the lively nose of this bottling. The palate is intensely grippy with earthy tension, combining freshly smashed berry flavors with aromatic rosewater flavors and just a hint of game.

90 Points - Jeb Dunnuck

Blended with 2% Viognier, the 2018 Syrah Estate Grown reveals a saturated purple color as well as a lively bouquet of spiced red and blue fruits, ground pepper, violets, and a touch of cedary herbs. Medium-bodied, fresh, and focused, it's a classy Syrah to drink over the coming 7-8 years.