2013 Stolpman Vineyards, La Cuadrilla, Proprietary Red, Ballard Canyon, Santa Ynez Valley.
The Stolpman La Cuadrilla red is a fantastic wine and a super value, this rich and juicy 2013 is going to impress and thrill those who have not had it and will equally please those that have, it is a dark blend of Syrah, Grenache, Sangiovese and Petite Sirah all from estate vines. The 2013 has partial whole cluster, though feels and tastes refined and lavishly smooth with only a mild hint of stems, it was fermented mostly in neutral barrels, though some was raised in cement vats as well, everything done here was to make an over achieving red cuvee that has that “wow factor”, mission accomplished. The Stolpman’s and the talents of Sashi Moorman their winemaker really shine through in this superb and unique California wine that has elements of classic northern Rhone style wines and the ripe character of our golden state, plus a exotic Italian twist. I loved the last two vintages of this wine, each year has a new label, and slightly different blend of the varietals, but this young, soon to be released, 2013 is maybe the best and most polished version yet with deep flavors, beautiful detail, intriguing charm, lush texture and layered complexity. The 2013 La Cuadrilla, with a chunk of limestone on the new label, starts with violets, liqueur notes, cassis, white pepper, lavender and forest berries leading to a mouth filling palate of boysenberry, blueberry, plum and currant fruits along with dusty/chalky earth, black fig, olive, anise, cracked peppercorns and carob/mocha. This full bodied, plush and sweet blue/black fruited effort is about 14.5%, but still has juicy fresh acid, vivid transparency, fine tannins and a long graceful finish, it will be great on release and drink wonderfully for 3 to 7 years, best from 2015 to 2019, one of the best new wines for around twenty bucks in the state, do not miss.
($20 Est.) 93+ Points, grapelive
