Stolpman Vineyards Love You Bunches 2021

Viticulture

Primarily Block 5 Sangiovese with our new own-rooted Block 6 Sangiovese.

A cold spring led to a moderate summer without significant heat spikes through harvest. Overall, 2021 harvest arrived late, with traditional reds beginning to hit peak ripeness at the end of September and through October. The even weather forecasts allowed the team to jump on early Love You Bunches picks to capture energetic acidity. We then strategically spread out harvest dates to achieve a spectrum of ripeness through the end of October.

Vinification

Stolpman created Carbonic Sangiovese in 2013 in an effort to make a fresh, delicious version of Sangiovese.  Sangiovese as a grape, is both highly tannic and high in acid – a one-two combination that can deliver a whopping blow to the palate.  Carbonic Fermentation is where the grapes to ferment whole, uncrushed in a sealed tank. The primary benefit if this fermentation style is that it make a red wine that contains only a fraction of the tannins than one that was traditionally fermented.  

Whole-Cluster, Native Carbonic Fermentation
1-3 week whole-grape native fermentation in sealed, round
carbonic tanks and smaller 1.5 ton trans-store tanks.
80% stainless steel, 20% Neutral French Emeritage 500L Puncheons, 2-4 months

Recommended to be served chilled.

Tasting notes

Riper red berry fruit sings over the tart finish resulting in a pleasurable, quenching crunch. A perfected adult version of Sour Patch Kids candy. A floaty fleshiness develops by the second glass - which, btw, arrives quickly - with some mellowing watermelon notes on the mid-palate. Serve cold!

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.