2012 Stolpman Syrah Estate
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Tasting notes
Dark red cherry, plum, licorice and sweet floral notes give the 2012 Syrah Estate a distinctly perfumed, lifted personality that is impossible to miss. This is the most aromatic and gracious of the three vintages I tasted. The 2012 is a bit lighter through the mid palate than some of the vintages because of slightly higher yields. All things considered though, the 2012 is an excellent choice for drinking now and over the next few years because of its open-knit, silky personality.
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Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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(made with 50% whole clusters and raised in concrete tanks): Opaque ruby. Deeply pitched black and blue fruit aromas are lifted and sharpened by cracked pepper and fresh flowers. Spicy and penetrating on the palate, with juicy blackcurrant and boysenberry flavors framed and lifted by tangy acidity. This suave, powerful, lively syrah finishes with appealing sweetness and smooth tannins.
The ruby/semi-opaque 2012 Syrah Estate Grown has a medium-bodied, savory and complex profile. Spending 13 months in neutral demi-muids, it exhibits plenty of purple fruits, violets, ground pepper and hints of cured meats to go with a silk texture and solid mid-palate depth. This is another wine that leans toward the more complex, elegant end of the spectrum. This was a fantastic lineup by the team at Stolpman, and the wines are all made by Sashi Moorman. Tel. (805) 688-0400; www.stolpmanvineyards.com
Dark plum, smoke, tobacco, menthol, licorice and game are some of the notes that meld together in Stolpman's 2012 Syrah Estate. A dense, powerful wine, the 2012 is loaded with intensity and power. Plum, black cherry, violets and lavender resonate on the expressive, textured finish. The 25% whole clusters are very nicely integrated.