Reviews & Ratings

2008 Stolpman Vineyards Syrah & Shiraz (Other than French) "Originals"

Winery: Stolpman Vineyards

Vintage: 2008

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Originals"

Wine Category: Syrah & Shiraz (Other than French)

Grape blend: 97% Syrah & 3% Viognier

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Santa Ynez

State or country: CA

Price: $38

Cases produced: 950

KWG Score: 93 (based on 3 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (92)

Review date: January 19, 2011

Wine Review: This opaque and very dark purple colored Syrah tied for second place in our big blind tasting. It opens with a ripe blackberry bouquet with hints of earth, blueberry, and cedar. On the palate, this wine is full bodied, balanced, and rich. The flavor profile is a smoky oak infused black currant and ripe blackberry blend with hints of black olives and anise. The finish is very dry and its dusty oak tannins are quite persistent. The panel suggested pairing this very impressive Syrah with short ribs or a veal chop. Enjoy - KWGTP

Winemaker Notes: Originals Syrah is dense, deep, and lush. It's extremely fruit forward and approachable compared to the usual Stolpman style of bright and tight Syrah. The weight and concentration "Wow" even the biggest Stolpman fans. The deep color is augmented by a 3% Viognier cofermentation. Viognier juice extracts more color out of the Syrah skins than Syrah by itself. Viognier also magnifies the aromatics just a hint! The 2008 vintage is already drinking very well after only a few minutes of air. Drink now through 2020.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Stolpman 2008 Originals Syrah.