Sangiovese, 2018. Stolpman Vineyards

Tom Stolpman planted the original 10 acres of Sangiovese way back in 1994. Today, we are up to 21 planted acres of the grape and we still can't keep up with near fanatical demand from our wine club members. By far the most popular wine in our Los Olivos tasting room, we have had to cut back out-of-state distribution on this wine. Aged 22 months in neutral large Ermitage 500L French oak puncheons, Sangiovese's tell-tale acidity and tannins on the finish get the chance to slip into the rich, ripe middle mouthfeel.

Heat spikes alone usually define vintages in Santa Barbara County. Here, we are blessed to farm without fear of rain, rot, hail, and humidity. In 2018 the only heat wave we endured arrived so early, on July 7; that the heat event didn't impact the fruit ripening or flavor profile. The summer turned into a moderate, steady dream year when acids hung high as sugar slowly accumulated and intense, nuanced flavor developed.

Recent releases of rich, decadent reds from our 2018 vintage have led to heightened excitement over the later-released and ultimate crowd favorite, Estate Sangiovese. Firm cherry fruit rides above an intense flow of heady richness. The pretty red fruit delves deep into lusher, darker notes of anise, pine, menthol and vanilla.

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