THE STORY
I can’t say I was surprised to find another Stolpman Vineyards Originals Syrah in our wine room, but what I was surprised by was the flavor of this nicely rated, well-priced 2021 vintage! K&L Wine Merchants steered us right once again with the value and quality of this wine. My last writeup of a Stolpman wine was here: Santa Barbara County Syrah: Getting One Rhône Varietal Right!!
THE VINEYARD
From the Stolpman Vineyards website:
“Oldest Syrah Vines in Ballard Canyon AVA
“The Originals Syrah vines are not only our “Original” planting, but they are the oldest vines in Ballard Canyon AVA. The wine made from these vines in the mid 1990’s generated the Syrah-planting fervor which eventually led to the publication of Ballard Canyon AVA. Because we withhold irrigation for months on end during our arid growing season, these vines have rooted deeply into our limestone in search of moisture. They yield small crops of tiny, concentrated grapes.”
THE WINE
Today I’m bringing you just this one wine. Winery notes come from their website, unless otherwise indicated. Any errors are mine and mine alone.
2021 Stolpman Vineyards Originals Syrah, Ballard Canyon AVA, Santa Barbara County, 14% ABV, $30 (#1715)
Winemaker’s Notes: “A spectrum of red, blue, and black fruit pack into an opaque, luxuriously sleek mid-palate before crunchy, youthful tannin. The big, rich, coating body beckons for the savory, dry finish. One of the densest Originals vintage in the fourteen year history of the cuvee. The hedonistic waves begin to envelope the pronounced tannin within minutes of breathing, giving a glimmer forward to maybe 2026 when this wine will hit its next level and fall into a beautiful 10 year stride thereafter.” 94 points – Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate and Wine Enthusiast
My Review: Translucent dark garnet in the glass. Menthol and earth on the nose. Earthy palate of dark fruits and cotton candy. We tasted this wine a couple of times in the Fall of 2025.
THE TASTING ROOM
Stolpman Vineyards Tasting Room is located at 2434 ALAMO PINTADO AVE, LOS OLIVOS. Reservations are recommended.
© Decanting Monterey 2026
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