cropthreash


Handmade wines since 1983.

 

 

1997 SYRAH STOLPMAN VINEYARD
Santa Ynez Valley
 
Stolpman Vineyard is unique. While it looks like one of your run of the mill vineyards on oak studded rolling hills, closer inspection reveals its secret. The vineyard is planted on only one-and-one-half to two feet of real soil. Below that is a clay layer and then soft white chalk rock. This is unusual in California, as most vineyards are planted on rich bottom land. At Stolpman the lack of soil and the chalky under layer seems to give the wine a special distinction. There is something in the aroma that is enchanting and appealing. It is dark, dank, and foresty. In the mouth I find earth, berries and lots of fine tannins. More readily accessible than the 1996, it is nonetheless, stuffed with flavor.