Estate Syrah 2021

BACKGROUND

Estate Grown Syrah has long been the flagship of Stolpman Vineyards and the standard bearer of the entire Syrah-focused Ballard Canyon AVA. The Estate Grown Syrah cuvee includes the oldest “original” vines in Ballard Canyon planted throughout the 1990s as well as the mature high density and own-rooted vineyards planted in the 2000s. Some of the newest, revolutionary pre-clonal massal selection Syrah also makes its way into this “main” Syrah bottling. Year after year, the wine’s richness + liveliness 1-2 combo showcases Ballard Canyon’s cold nights and the short period of daytime warmth in between Pacific fog and cool wind. Stolpman’s Limestone subsoil elevates the bright natural acidity. Ruben Solorzano’s refusal to give the vines irrigation during much of the always-dry growing season lends terrific concentration.

VINTAGE

A cold spring led to a moderate summer without significant heat spikes through harvest. Over-all, 2021 harvest arrived late, with traditional reds beginning to hit peak ripeness at the end of September and through October. On cue, harvest dates for Estate Syrah lasted exactly one month, commencing on September 27th and finishing October 27th. The range of vine density, hill exposure, and clonal material allow for the variance in ripening times and gives La Cuadrilla the chance to nail every micro-block at optimal ripeness.

SENSORY

Another blockbuster Estate Syrah vintage following a hit parade of recent vintages. Spades of brimming energy but already in its youth, supple, rich, and polished. Pure yumminess, yet intriguingly carnal and raw with a blazing fire inside. A one-two punch of opulence and high-toned pizzazz. The two marry to create a wonderfully classic edition of Estate Syrah.