2001 STOLPMAN SYRAH

Santa Barbara County.syst

Since 1999, we have had our spot at Stolpman dialed in. The farming is close to perfect; every cluster is trimmed and well-exposed to the sun. The crop has consistently been tiny, and the wines have really shown distinction. The fruit character is cool and blueberry-like, and the flavors are slaked with copious tannins and minerality. Rather than being drying, these tannins are just the opposite–they bring a deliciousness to the wine. The 2001 has a big, seductive, dark fruitiness that reminds me of the 1999. It is quite delicious already.