Reviews & Ratings

2011 Stolpman Vineyards Syrah & Shiraz (Other than French) "Hilltops Estate"

Winery: Stolpman Vineyards

Vintage: 2011

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Hilltops Estate"

Wine Category: Syrah & Shiraz (Other than French)

Grape blend: 100% Syrah

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Santa Ynez

State or country: CA

Price: $48

Cases produced: 1,010

KWG Score: 93.5 (based on 4 reviews)

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

Review date: February 16, 2014

Wine Review: This very dark ruby colored Syrah from Stolpman opens with a challenging musty leather and blackberry bouquet with hints of blueberry and oak. That said, aeration and decanting really opened up the wine and allowed it to develop. On the palate, this wine is full bodied, very nicely balanced, smooth and rich. The flavor profile is pleasant gentle blackberry with notes of integrated oak and mild minerality. I also detected some hints of espresso, black currant, and mil anise. The finish is quite dry and its dusty tannins and fruits are very extended. This Syrah would pair well with a well-marbled ribeye. Enjoy - Ken

Winemaker Notes: Ripe Plum, sangre-iron, with hints of oak; this wine reminds me that I am a carnivore. Despite being rich and lavish, there is energy in this wine that makes me want to tear into some flesh. This wine is going to be a big hit. Forget being a carnivore, this wine makes me happy to be alive. Excitement bursts through the dense core and beams out, almost with revelatory radiance.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Stolpman 2011 Hilltops Syrah.