2018 Stolpman Sauvignon Blanc Ballard Canyon

About 2018 Stolpman Sauvignon Blanc Ballard Canyon:

2008 marked the first Sauvignon Blanc by Stolpman. Since then, the winery has expanded the acreage for their Sauvignon Blanc varietal that grow on white rock/Limestone outcropping. As with other grape varietals, Stolpman withhold irrigation to ensure concentration of flavor and interesting textures.

Tasting Notes:

Typical Stolpman Sauvignon Blanc notes of citrus and hay give way to lusher passion fruit, pear, and green apple. The low-yields drive round, mouth-filling tactile layers that marry with the fresh pop of acid on the finish.

Barrel Selection:

Aged 4 months in 500L 40% Neutral French ermitage puncheon.

Growing Notes:

2018 had only one heat wave that arrived early, on July 7th. It did not impact the fruit ripening or quality. The summer turned into a moderate, steady, dream year when acids hung high as sugars slowly accumulated and intense, nuanced flavor developed.

With sugars slowly climbing and grapes getting more and more delicious, the vineyard took full advantage of the cool 2018 harvest conditions. They began picking for high acid, energetic components at 20 brix on September 14th and continued harvesting small amounts for a full two weeks. They left about 10% of the crop hanging an additional month until finally picked for richness and depth on October 22.

Harvest Dates: September 14-28; October 22, 2018

Winemaking Notes:

100% Sauvignon Blanc from Block 5,8. 3 week cold native fermentation in 60% Stainless Steel, 40% Neutral French ermitage 500L puncheon fermentation. Cooperages and elevage: 60% Stainless Steel, 4 months in 500L 40% Neutral French ermitage puncheon

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.