Introduction:
The 2023 Estate Syrah from Stolpman Vineyards is a benchmark expression of Ballard Canyon Syrah—savory, structured, and deeply reflective of its limestone-driven site. This wine emphasizes balance over excess, capturing both the power and elegance that define Stolpman’s estate fruit.

Terrior:
Grown entirely on the Stolpman Estate within the Ballard Canyon AVA, the vines are rooted in rare limestone soils with strong marine influence. Persistent coastal winds, cool nights, and warm afternoons slow ripening and lock in acidity, producing Syrah with tension, mineral backbone, and aromatic complexity reminiscent of Northern Rhône styles.

Appearance:
Deep ruby to garnet with a youthful violet rim, showing excellent clarity and moderate viscosity that hints at concentration without heaviness.

Nose:
Complex and savory, featuring blackberry, black cherry, and blueberry layered with cracked black pepper, smoked meat, olive tapenade, and dried herbs. Subtle notes of violet, iron, and crushed stone add depth and place.

Palate:
Medium-bodied yet intensely flavored, the palate delivers dark fruit framed by bright acidity and fine-grained tannins. Notes of black plum, boysenberry, and graphite are complemented by white pepper, sage, and a distinct limestone minerality. The wine is energetic and precise rather than opulent.

Finish:
Long and persistent, finishing with savory spice, mineral grip, and a gentle earthiness that lingers gracefully.

Food Pairings:

• Meat: Grilled lamb chops with rosemary, pepper-crusted ribeye, duck breast

• Vegetarian: Lentil and mushroom stew, roasted eggplant with herbs, black olive tapenade pasta

• Charcuterie Board: Aged sheep’s milk cheese, cured sausages, olives, roasted nuts

Overall Impression:
This 2023 Estate Syrah is a focused, terroir-driven wine that unites dark fruit, savory complexity, and limestone minerality into a seamless whole. Its balance, freshness, and structural elegance make it an outstanding partner for grilled meats, earthy vegetarian dishes, and robust Mediterranean cuisine, while also rewarding short- to mid-term cellaring.

Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 14.0%
Farming Practices: Organic and sustainable viticulture
Producer Name: Stolpman Vineyards
Old World / New World: New World
Country of Origin: United States
Region: Ballard Canyon AVA, Santa Ynez Valley, California
Grape Varietals: Syrah
Vintage: 2023
Wine Style: Dry, medium-bodied, savory red wine
Winemaking Techniques: Native yeast fermentation, partial whole-cluster inclusion, neutral oak aging to emphasize site expression
Pack Size: 750 mL
Container Style: Glass bottle
Closure Style: Natural cork

Sources:

• Stolpman Vineyards official producer tasting notes and estate vineyard information
• Ballard Canyon AVA viticultural and soil data