The 2023 Syrah Estate Grown is an excellent wine, especially for $36. Fleshy and expressive, it coats the palate with serious concentration. There are no hard edges here, just velvety blue fruit, leather, clove, crushed rocks and a lift of fresh mint. This midweight Syrah really impresses for its vibrancy, palate presence and immediacy.
94 points, Billy Norris, Vinous (Aug 2025)
Fermented with one-third whole clusters, the 2023 Syrah Estate exudes a lovely balance between high-toned energy and grounded depth. The nose is classically bright, savory and herbal before the palate takes a deep, darker-fruited turn, showcasing a beautiful, velvety texture supported by sturdy tannins. It finishes on a lifted yet weightless note with impressive precision.
93 points, Matthew Luczy, Wine Advocate (Oct 2024)
The Stolpmans' largest-production syrah offers a really vibrant blueberry and blackberry character laced with mineral and chalk notes, for which they credit the limestone soil. Full-bodied with moderate tannins. Good concentration and length. Drink or hold.
93 points, Jim Gordon, James Suckling (Oct 2024)
This 100% own-rooted Syrah from Stolpman’s Ballard Canyon Estate features blueberry, plum, sweet spice, and meaty flavours. It was fermented naturally in concrete for about two weeks before ageing for 10 months in neutral French oak. It showcases a classically refined rusticity and Santa Barbara Syrah character, with a balance of rich fruit and earthy depth. Expect substantial ageing potential, with future development of the fruit-forward character revealing a more savoury composition.
93 points, Vanessa Rason, Decanter (Oct 2024)
Fresh plums, blueberries, ground pepper, violets, and some gamey, gunflint notes all define the aromatics of the 2023 Syrah Estate Grown, a 100% Syrah fermented with 50% whole clusters and aged 11 months in neutral French oak puncheons. It's medium to full-bodied, round, plump, and delicious. I'd be thrilled to drink a bottle over the coming 7-8 years. Drink 2025-2033.
92 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Sep 2025)