Stolpman Vineyards Originals Syrah 2018

Viticulture

The Originals Syrah cuvee incorporates only the initial Syrah plantings that Tom Stolpman put into the ground in 1992. These vines are not only the Original planting, but they are the oldest vines in Ballard Canyon AVA. The wine made from these vines generated the Syrah-planting fervor which eventually led to the publication of Ballard Canyon AVA - the only appellation in the United States dedicated to the grape Syrah.

The Original plantings lie in Block 1 and 2 where the sandstone and limestone bedrock appear on the surface, chunks judiciously mixed into the day-shale top soil. The ground is beautiful, with white stones littering the rows mirroring the dirt in so many of the worlds' great vineyards. In 2008, Stolpman decided the wine from these older vines should be bottled separately, and the Originals Syrah label was bom. Because of Originals vines' age, Ruben Solorzano withholds irrigation to create intense, firm Syrah that carries the true stamp of Ballard Canyon. Tiny grapes create inky dark, brooding, serious wine.

Vinification

This is a 100% Syrah with 50% whole cluster and natively fermented in unsealed concrete. The wine got one pump over per day, 3 total punch downs, naturally cool fermentation temperatures peaking in low 70s. Only free run juice used in final cuvee, no press wine.

Aging was done in large (500L) neutral oak barrels. The 2015 got an additional 4 months aging than previous vintages for a total of 19 months. 

Tasting notes

Complex nuances of leather, tobacco, and licorice with blackberry fruit, and smooth tannins that give it an elegant body. The broad aromas of cassis, violet flowers, and mint chocolate give it a gorgeous impression. This is a wine that can be enjoyed even more with some time in the cellar.

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.