2019 Stolpman Vineyards Syrah Estate Grown Ballard Canyon Santa Barbara 750 ml

When Vinous says Stolpman makes Syrah with “tons of character,” this purple-black 2019 Estate Grown Syrah is exactly what they mean. It’s got explosive aromas of wild plums, cracked pepper, blueberry, black cherry, and rose petal. The palate is super-rich yet lively, showing spiced fruit ripened under the Central Coast sun, the freshness only Pacific breezes can provide, and tight-knit tannins that melt over a long finish.

Sitting northwest of Santa Barbara in the Santa Ynez Valley, Stolpman’s Ballard Canyon vineyards are far enough inland that hot, dry afternoons ensure the type of weight and concentration you’ll find in Napa reds. At the same time, the east-west valley acts as a wind tunnel for cool Pacific winds that blast the vines, imparting vibrancy and aromatic intensity.

Ruben Solorzano, the vineyard manager Wine Enthusiast has called “The Grape Whisperer,” employs dry-farming, a practice that uses no irrigation and yields small, undiluted grapes that come in at the peak of freshness. 

In 2019, Wine Enthusiast’s best-ever vintage for Central Coast Syrah, Stolpman’s vineyards enjoyed a perfectly stable growing season with none of the heat spikes that can throw off a wine’s balance. Slow, steady ripening and acid development yielded Syrah with fruit, freshness, and plenty of spicy depth.     

After 50% whole-cluster fermentation in concrete, this wine spent ten months in 100% neutral French oak, letting the complex flavors mingle and develop an impressive polish. It’s a bold, delicious chance to experience a region-defining wine.