B-21 Top Recommendation
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Declared “one of the reference-point estates in Ballard Canyon” by Vinous critic Antonio Galloni, these highly rated, site specific wines from Stolpman Vineyards deliver superb quality at an astonishing price. Establishing their reputation as pioneering growers in California’s Ballard Canyon and selling their fruit to cult producers like Sine Qua Non, second-generation Pete Stolpman along with esteemed vineyard manager Ruben Solorzano now craft the outstanding Stolpman portfolio from their 150 acres of estate vineyards planted over three distinct limestone ridges in Santa Barbara County, yielding vibrant, complex and impeccably balanced wines ranging from entry level offerings to top estate cuvees.
Described as “a total charmer” and “a ridiculous value” by Vinous critic Antonio Galloni, the 93 pt. 2021 La Cuadrilla is a rich blend dominated by estate grown Syrah with proceeds benefiting Solorzano’s dedicated La Cuadrilla vineyard crew, while the lush 2021 Para Maria is an homage to his vineyard partner and wife Maria, an energetic blend of Syrah and Petite Sirah that “always impresses” according to the Wine Enthusiast’s Matt Kettmann. Stolpman’s white wines include the appealing 2021 Uni, a unique exuberant blend of Roussanne with a little Chardonnay offering “plenty of richness” according to Galloni and the fragrant, richly textured 97 pt. 2020 L'Avion Roussanne named “one of the stars” of the outstanding 2020 vintage by the Wine Advocate’s Erin Brooks, reminiscent of the Northern Rhone’s great white wines at a fraction of the cost. Stolpman’s most unique wines include the rich, Bandol-styled 93 pt. 2021 Pliocene Mourvedre Red that’s “loaded with character” according to Jeb Dunnuck, the savory, dark-fruited 96 pt. 2020 Hair of the Bear, a combination of co-fermented Petite Sirah and Roussanne that’s “magical” according to the Wine Enthusiast’s Matt Kettman, and Solorzano’s 96 pt. Sun & Earth, a powerful combination of 40% Mourvedre, 40% Syrah and 20 % Grenache described as “one heck of an impressive blend” by Dunnuck. Based on old vine fruit planted by founder Tom Stolpman, the 96 pt. 2020 Sangiovese offers “layered flavors and loads of juicy appeal” according to the Wine Advocate’s Erin Brooks, an homage to Tuscany’s revered grape crafted by winemaker Kyle Knapp in a ripe California style. Inspired by his love of Northern Rhone wines, Tom Stolpman’s Syrah plantings are the oldest in the Ballard Canyon AVA, adding rich complexity that makes the flagship 94 pt. 2021 Stolpman Vineyards Estate Syrah the standard bearer for the region, while the full-bodied 94 pt. 2020 Angeli Cuvee is sourced from the estate’s oldest own-rooted Syrah, described as a “pure, downright vibrant wine” by Jeb Dunnuck. And finally, the luscious and concentrated 95 pt. 2019 Stolpman Vineyards Syrah Great Places Ruben Solorzano is a “riper, rounded, expansive beauty” according to Jeb Dunnuck and the fresh and succulent 97 pt. 2020 Stolpman Vineyards Originals Syrah 97 pt. is “racy, deeply satisfying” and simply “superb” according to Antonio Galloni, both representing the apex of Stolpman’s vineyard-driven expression of Syrah and promising a lengthy evolution certain to thrill fans of Northern Rhone Syrah at an incredible value.
Boasting 90 plus point ratings across their portfolio, these selections from Ballard Canyon’s iconic Stolpman Vineyards are garnering well deserved attention from critics across the board, challenging its under the radar status and making now the best time to mix a case or two of these top rated and top value Santa Barbara beauties and take advantage of this exceptional pricing | 
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