Stolpman Vineyards Sangiovese 2017

Viticulture

In 1994, Tom Stolpman started growing 10 acres of Sangiovese. He has now increased it to 21 acres, but it is so popular that production cannot keep up with demand. Uses narrowly spaced Sangiovese plantings of Block 3 Old Vine, and Block A on the hill of the estate.

Vinification

Fermented in massive concrete tanks with only native yeast. Only free run juice is used, no pressed wine. Aged 22 months in neutral French oak.

Tasting notes

Fresh red fruit carries the day with a gingerly prance through the palette. The 2017 Sangiovese comes off a bit fresher from the slightly earlier bottling date. Hints of elegant chocolate truffle rather than the rustic leathery profile sometimes found in Stolpman Sangiovese vintages of the past. Super youthful now, fun and energetic, it will also be interesting to try it down the road a couple years when it has had the time to further flesh out and hit that deeper level of rich hedonism.

Winery Description

Leading Syrah Producer of Ballard Canyon AVA

Over 20 years ago, Thomas Stolpman, discovered what many might describe as one of the greatest viticultural sites on earth. Hidden in the hills of California’s Central Coast, on a rare Limestone outcropping & unobstructed from the Pacific Ocean wind, this unique land is ideally suited to grow Syrah and Roussanne grapes. Stolpman is committed to preserving this natural environment for thier vines through natural farming, dry farming, & sustainable employment. In the winery, they prefer native fermentation & minimal manipulation.

Dedicated to sensible farming & winemaking, they believe that they can create natural, vibrant, site-specific wines, with a focus unique to Ballard Canyon AVA, California. Their 220-acre property, of which 153 acres are currently planted to grapes, lies on three major limestone ridgelines in Santa Barbara County. By implementing revolutionary viticultural techniques, they push the dry-farmed limestone vines to unprecedented levels of quality.