2007 Stolpman Syrah Estate

Inky ruby. Bright, finely etched aromas of boysenberry, blackberry, cracked pepper and licorice, with a smoky overtone. Deep, juicy and precise, with energetic flavors of bitter cherry, candied dark berries and violet and pastilles. Dense but surprisingly lively, with superb finishing clarity and alluring floral persistence. This wine is extremely attractive now but balanced to age.

The 2007 Syrah Estate (2,000 cases produced) includes a small amount of co-fermented Viognier, which provides a spicy, floral component to its black currant, peppery, meaty style. More closed than it was last year, it begs for another 6-12 months of cellaring. With impressive purity as well as medium to full body, it should evolve nicely for 7-8 years. Stolpman is a relatively large 220-acre estate (not yet fully planted) in the Ballard Canyon, twenty-five miles from the Pacific Ocean. The winemaker is Sashi Moorman, who continues to demonstrate his enviable talent across a broad spectrum of Rhone Ranger wines. Tel. (805) 688-0400