Stolpman Vineyards Angeli 2019

Viticulture

Own-rooted Block 5 high-density Syrah selected only from the plateau.

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.

Vinification

50% whole-cluster, 23 days. One pump-over per day until the wine reaches 10 Brix. At which point punch downs are one time per day for 3 days to accomplish full extraction.

2 week-long native fermentation in concrete, free-run only juice only

Aged mainly neutral 265L French oak cigars (elongated barrels), Some second-fill 500L French Ermitage Oak Puncheons for 16 months.

Tasting notes

Seductive depth, even on the nose, belies wonderful coating richness on palate. Just a hint of black pepper and cedarwood smoke (from the large once-used oak barrels) frame the sheer volume of beautiful fruit. Tannin and acid marry for a subtle kick to bring this expansive "wow" wine to a streamlined finish. One of the most impressive 2019 reds upon release, but it will also further blossom to the next level with years in bottle. A very exciting wine!

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.