Stolpman Vineyards, “Originals” Syrah

Today, I’m incredibly excited to present Stolpman Vineyards, a newcomer to SommSelect but a familiar name to those of you who know world-class Syrah. When picked at the right time, in the right hands, California has the potential to make some of the greatest Syrahs on the planet.Bien Nacido, Qupé, Wind Gap, and Arnot-Roberts come immediately to mind—producers I’d put next to the finest of France blind—and I’d add Stolpman to that list, too. When you strip away the excessive ‘makeup’ many New World producers use to fluff up their Syrahs, you’re left with a beautiful wine that leaves a lasting impression. The best examples should make you reflect on the greatest bottlings from the hills of Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie. Second-generation grower and vintner Pete Stolpman, son of Tom Stolpman, a pioneer of the Central Coast, has done just this. His 2013 “Originals” captures everything I love about California Syrah—it possesses that brambly dark berry and black pepper savor you’d expect from cla