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.