Saturday, June 21st, 2008

Summer Solstice Party at Stolpman Vineyards

-Stolpman, L'Avion, Santa Ynez, 2005 (one of the best Rousannes California has ever produced. It's very strange neon green in color.)
-Stolpman, Cabernet Franc, Santa Ynez, 1998 (great)
-Stolpman, Mourvedre, Santa Ynez, 1996 (really excellent)
-Stolpman, Merlot, Santa Ynez, 1995 (also very, very good)
-Stolpman, Nebbiolo, Santa Ynez, 1999 (awesome, awesome stuff. I'd like to drink this in 10 more years)
-Stolpman, La Croce, Santa Ynez, 2003 (dense and very good)
-Stolpman, Syrah, Santa Ynez, 2006 (great)
-Stolpman, Hilltops Syrah, Santa Ynez, 2005 (great wine)

-Michel Servin, Blanc de Blanc, Sparkling Wine, France, NV (pretty pedestrian)

The Stolpman wines are pretty amazing. The consistency and the ageworthiness are unbelievable. I'm a firm believer that this producer will emerge as one of the finest in Santa Barbara. Not only are their Rhone varietals pushing the envelope of quality, their Italian varietals are the finest in California! Stock up on as much Stolpman wine as you can. Whether you drink it this year, or in 10 years, you won't be dissappointed.