2014 Stolpman La Croce

About 2014 Stolpman La Croce Ballard Canyon:

By harvesting the hill’s Sangiovese and Syrah together, Stolpman La Croce has become a true field-blend. The goal of La Croce Ballard Canyon is to marry the high-toned cherry Sangiovese fruit with the savory, earthy notes of Syrah. Through picking and fermenting together, the two varietals further integrate, or “Cross” to create one beautiful red wine.

Tasting Notes:

In its youth red toned Sangiovese fruit shines through the aroma and palate, dominating the darker, meatier Syrah notes. Syrah’s presence can be detected by subtle roasted meat and herb flavors. Young and sharp upon popping the cork, the 2014 Stolpman La Croce Ballard Canyon begins to open up with a few minutes open or better yet, decanted.

Growing Notes:

Block A, High Density Hilltop Sangiovese and High Density Hillside Syrah. The warm days and pleasant evenings of 2014 led to dark, dense red wines across the winery’s line-up. The warmer weather led to a new level of boldness in the always powerful La Croce.

Harvest Dates: October 7-8, 2014

Winemaking Notes:

50% Sangiovese and 50% Syrah.  Vinification: co-fermented in open top unsealed concrete fermenters, 67% whole-cluster. Cooperages and Elevage: neutral French 500L Puncheons. Only free-run juice is incorporated into the final blend to ensure fine tannins on the finish.

About The Winery:

In the late 1930s, teenage cattle rancher Anchor Johnson and his buddies landed their rickety plane down the straight chute where Roussanne is now planted.  The young men would park the plane under the oak tree at the end of the dirt strip.  Roussanne rows now run lengthwise along the old runway, creating the inspiration for the lanes on the Stolpman L’Avion label.

Over 20 years ago, Stolpman Vineyards Founding Partner, Tom Stolpman, discovered what he believe to be one of the greatest viticultural sites on earth. Hidden in the hills of California’s Central Coast, on a rare Limestone outcropping & unobstructed from the Pacific Ocean wind, this unique land is naturally suited to grow Syrah and Roussanne grapes. The winery is committed to preserving this natural environment for their vines through conscious farming, dry farming, & sustainable employment. In the winery, they prefer native fermentation & minimal manipulation.

Dedicated to sensible farming & winemaking, The Stolpman Team believes that they can create vibrant, site-specific wines, with a focus unique to Ballard Canyon AVA, California.

100% Estate Grown wines crafted on the limestone hills of Ballard Canyon, Santa Barbara County. After 20 years of revolutionary viticultural experimentation, the Stolpmans are proud to present their unique offering of Rhone Varietals – including Syrah, Grenache & Roussanne.