Over 20 years ago, Founding Partner, Tom Stolpman, discovered what is arguably one of the greatest viticultural sites on earth. Hidden in the hills of California’s Central Coast, on a rare limestone outcropping and unobstructed from the Pacific Ocean wind, this unique land is naturally suited to grow Syrah and Roussanne grapes. Stolpman Vineyards is located in Ballard Canyon, just 15 miles from the coast. The location lends to warm days with cool nights. The Stolpman family is committed to preserving this natural environment of the vines through conscious farming, dry farming, and sustainable employment.
We will taste three estate-grown gems:
2019 Sauvignon Blanc — It's all about the Limestone! The great Sauvignon Blanc vineyards of the Loire Valley lie on white rock. Irrigation is withheld to ensure concentration of flavor. High-density, low yielding vineyards grant richer texture and heightened complexity to the wine. This Sav Blanc shows lemon, citrus spray and a zesty texture on the front with dried hay behind. Riper citrus blooms as the wine warms up in the glass but the palette remains sharp, focused and crisp, but without austerity. ABV 12.5%. $25.99/$9
2020 Rosé — Soft, light salmon-pink, the 2020 is Stolpman’s most delicate and fine-tuned estate rose to date. Blooming rose petals on the nose with a swirl of lychee, white peach, hibiscus, and rhubarb all tightly woven into a pristinely delicate pink wine. A lively "sweet and sour" melon carries through the finish married with the crisp, clean back palate. Blend: 62% Grenache, 28% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre.
11.5% ABV. $22.99/$8
2019 Syrah — Popping the cork, the nose screams of dark, brooding Syrah, a slam dunk in a blind tasting. A hint of game and bacon fat as well as textbook dark fruits and peppery, violet-laced aromas and flavors. The wine quickly opens up, dominated by delicate red fruits, bordering on peppermint, with hints of savory dried herbs. On the finish, those same fresh red fruits still sing backed up by hints of smoke and char. Medium to full-bodied, well-made, fruit-forward. 14.1% ABV. $33.99/$11
St. Lucio’s Gourmet and Cheese is open inside the store for your cheese needs and is bringing in some amazing new cheeses every week! Feel free to bring snacks/dinner with you, but please dispose of your own trash (there is a trash can at the back entrance).
See you Friday!