2012 Stolpman, La Cuadrilla, Red Wine, Ballard Canyon, Santa Ynez.
The Stolpman wines are ever improving and becoming more interesting with each new vintage, the Syrah wines reign supreme and there is an entertaining set of whites too from which to choose, personally it is a tough choice between the Sauvignon Blanc and the seductively rich Roussanne. That all said, it is the new La Cuadrilla that really impressed, it is a proprietary red blend of Syrah, Sangiovese, Grenache and Petite Sirah, this richly flavored hybrid is lovely, spicy and loaded with energy, and as with all the fine Stolpman offerings it was crafted by the gifted hands of Sashi Moorman of Evening Land, Domaine de la Cote and Sandhi to name a few. The 2012 La Cuadrilla is expressive, starting with violets, rose petals, grilled fennel and cracked pepper, I think the whole cluster Syrah adds the intensity and much of the primary character, but the Sangiovese does come through with time in the glass, while the Grenache and Petite Sirah add a bit of color, body and give the wine a heady touch, this is beautifully balanced, detailed and flows with lavish texture. The palate is round and full with blueberry, boysenberry and creme de cassis along with sweet tobacco, strawberry, kirsch and porcini notes. The mouth feel is lush, but there is vibrancy and the wine never dulls plus it has a nice lengthy finish with a mix of red pepper/chocolate, licorice and espresso leaving a long plummy aftertaste. Drink now and over the course of the next 3 to 5 years, the La Cuadrilla is a seriously fun wine and a nice value too.
($26 Est.) 93 Points, grapelive
