2016 Stolpman Vineyards, Rose of Grenache, Ballard Canyon.
I finally got down to Stolpman’s tasting room in Los Olivos, and I’m very glad I did, this is a must visit place on any planned trip to the Santa Barbara wine region with a great range of fun and intriguing wines that are all serious and unique. Two of my favorite wines each vintage at Stolpman are the La Cuadrilla, a blend blend of mostly Syrah, but with touches of Sangiovese and Petite Sirah, and this Stolpman’s wonderful dry Rose of Grenache, but you must never miss their gorgeous set of Syrahs! Hats off to the current team at Stolpman, Peter & Jessica Stolpman, Ruben Solorzano (one of the best vineyard managers in California!) and winemaker Kyle Knapp, who has crafted a great set of new wines and who has kept the successful style that was wine consultant Sashi Moorman’s influence and guidance or signature impact on Stolpman since day one, this estate is certainly a heroic American achievement, and we should honor the vision of founder Tom Stolpman that helped create the AVA of Ballard Canyon, in Santa Barbara County’s Santa Ynez Valley, as well as being a champion of sustainable viticulture and care of vineyard workers. The 2016 Stolpman Rose is a bright and briskly refreshing pink with zesty detail and mineral tones starting with a zing of citrus, sour cherry, watermelon, rosewater, chalky wet stones, strawberry and a spicy garrigue/herb note. Gains a light raspberry element with air, but stays tangy vibrant throughout and is a lovely Tavel like Rose that delivers cool crisp summer quaffing pleasure! This pretty in pink Grenache Rose along with the new 2015 La Cuadrilla Stolpman Estate red blend ($22 Est. 92 Points), made from Ruben’s selected vines is another super vintage, and it’s always a wine I feel good about buying as the proceeds go directly to the vineyard workers, were certainly my top two value picks here, but as mentioned you’ll want to pick up the Stolpman Syrah 2014’s, especially the Hilltops! In case you’re like me and like to geek out, ask for Stolpman’s Combe Trousseau and the Carbonic Sangiovese “Love You Bunches” as well as their powerful Roussanne L’ Avion!
($21 Est.) 91 Points, grapelive
