A new addition to Stolpman's array of own-rooted, ultra-high-density plantings, the 2022 Syrah The Great Places Jessica Lauren Stolpman fits right in as a towering expression of Santa Barbara County Syrah. The plant material consists of Serine clones originating from Domaine Clusel-Roch's Les Grandes Places lieu-dit in Côte-Rôtie—from which Stolpman's series takes its name—planted at 6,000 vines per acre. The nose is one of the more aromatically open and expressive of this series, evoking quintessential Syrah aromas of cracked black pepper, roasted game and beef jerky, all bound together with an intense iodine character and black-fruited richness. The palate brings together a seductive trifecta of inky concentration, a lavish, velvety texture and an intensely savory undertone, all while avoiding overt opulence. The finish is glacial and cascading, swelling slowly while continuously regenerating spice-laden complexity bolstered by supple, spherical tannins. As with the rest of the range, I have no doubt this wine will dramatically benefit from cellaring, and the tiny production of 75 cases further emphasizes my recommendation to hold off on this for a few years.
- Matthew Luczy (10/2024)
