Stolpman Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2024

Viticulture

Healthy winter rain, almost mirroring 2023 precipitation pattern, set us off on a relatively late bud break. The vines naturally set a lighter crop than 2023, and minimal cluster thinning was needed as the vines had already balanced themselves. Summer proved beautifully moderate and weather didn’t warm up until the second week of September. We harvested Sauvignon Blanc over a span of 4 weeks from Ruben’s warmer Happy Canyon sites through Santa Ynez Valley and finally the coolest, windiest sites near Los Alamos.

Vinification

Vinification: Direct press prior to fermentation
Vatting/Fermentation: 100% Stainless steel
Cooperage & Elevage: 100% Stainless steel for 3 months

Tasting notes

Lemon preserve spread on toast. Cucumber and freshly cubed mango. The crispness of pressed linen in the sunshine, smooth sheets of texture from the front palate through the finish. Lightly charred cedar plank sprinkled with citrus brings savory nuance and a backbone to the tropical fruit flesh.

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.