Stolpman 2005 La Croce
$100.00
It is one of the hallmarks of our unique terroir that our Sangiovese and Syrah mature at identical times (perhaps impossible in any region outside of Santa Barbara County), therefore creating the perfect environment for producing a wine like La Croce. La Croce brings the vibrancy, nerve and tannic strength of Sangiovese and the lush, enveloping, dark wild fruits of cooler climate Syrah together in a wine of great complexity. After double-sorting (both clusters and berries) and gentle destemming, the grapes are trod by foot to release the juice trapped inside the berries. Immediately after crushing, the must is loaded into fermenting vessels with dry ice to prevent oxidation of the juice. La Croce is then fermented in small oak barrels (Barrique, 60-gallon), all of which are new and of French provenance. Although labor intensive (the new barrels must be opened and rebuilt with one of the barrelheads removed), this method of fermentation captures more of the grapes’ polyphenolic content than does stainless steel fermentation, thus producing wines with incredibly rich colors and persistent flavors and tannins. After pressing, the wine is returned to the same barrels in which it was fermented, leading to better and earlier integration of oak and wine. Drink now through 2014—364 six-packs produced. This wine was rated 90 points by Robert Parker of the Wine Advocate. (Release date: November 2007)
More Information
- Year: 2005
- Varietal: Syrah
- Region: Santa Ynez Valley
- Wine Maker:
- Vineyard: Stolpman
