2022 Stolpman Vineyards La Cuadrilla Ballard Canyon (750ml)

Syrah from Santa Barbara, California

B-21 Top Recommendation
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Consistently garnering 90 plus pt. ratings and called “an amazing value” by the Wine Advocate’s William Kelley, the bright and juicy 93 pt. 2022 Stolpman Vineyards La Cuadrilla offers luscious, layered fruit hinting of earthy spice with smooth, supple tannins, a delicious, top-scoring red blend from one of the Central’s Coast’s pioneering producers bargain priced to enjoy often over the next few years.

Searching for limestone-rich soils near the Pacific Ocean, founder Tom Stolpman was among the first to cultivate wine grapes in the picturesque Santa Ynez Valley on California’s Central Coast, planting his initial vines in what is now the Ballard County AVA nearly 50 years ago and establishing Stolpman Vineyards in 1990. Spanning 153 acres and now under the direction of Tom’s son Peter, Stolpman’s sustainably farmed vineyards are situated on three distinct limestone ridges, sustainably farmed without irrigation under the direction of legendary vineyard manager Ruben Solorzano and his full-time vineyard crew known as “La Cuadrilla.” Originally established as a training opportunity for vineyard workers to manage a small block (or “cuadra” in Spanish) and give them stable, year-round employment, the La Cuadrilla blend has grown to over 10% of the estate’s total production, the profits used by Stolpman to reward their dedicated full-time vineyard crew with weekly and year-end bonuses. Blending 60% Syrah with 30% Grenache and small amounts of Mourvedre and Sangiovese from estate vineyards and Ruben’s parcels throughout the County, winemaker Kyle Knapp aged the 2022 Stolpman Vineyards La Cuadrilla in large 100% neutral French oak casks for 6 months, preserving its appealing fresh red fruit flavors and bright acidity with satiny, fine-grained tannins on a savory, polished finish.

Crafted “with notable freshness and verve” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous, the appealing 93 pt. 2022 Stolpman Vineyards La Cuadrilla boasts easy drinkability in a bold, lush style that makes it an outstanding choice for an everyday pour, its value pricing part of the Stolpman legacy of over delivering value for savvy wine lovers seeking a great deal.

93WA

92V

The 2022 La Cuadrilla is a blend of Syrah and Grenache with a smaller portion of Mourvèdre. It offers slowly unfurling scents of wild berries, tar, turned earth and wildflowers. The medium-bodied palate is bright and silky, with spicy, earthy fruit and a long, perfumed finish. 10,500 cases were made, and profits go to the vineyard workers at Stolpman.

93 points, Erin Brooks, Wine Advocate (Dec 2023)

The 2022 La Cuadrilla is a fabulous entry-level wine. Crushed flowers, sweet red berry fruit, spice, tobacco and cedar give this light-bodied wine lovely aromatic presence. All the elements are very nicely balanced. The 25% stems are present, but not overpowering.

92 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Sep 2023)

Alcohol By Volume: 14.0%

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$19.98

Compare At: $22.99

60+ bottles in stock. Ships in 1 to 2 business days.

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