2023 Stolpman Vineyards Grenache Santa Barbara County 750 ml

Our long friendship with Stolpman Vineyards has always had one thing at its core: deep love for their wines. It ends up being a massive win for Stolpman, for us, and for our members, who have been treated to a slew of Stolpman rarities and exclusives at phenomenal prices. But this windfall measures up to the best we’ve ever offered from the winery, bar none. 

Located west of the Stolpman estate, the site behind this bottle was planted and is farmed by Stolpman’s own grape-whisperer Ruben Solorzano. It produces big-name Grenaches that NEVER go for less than $40—and often fetch $70–$80.

Wine lovers might come to Santa Barbara with Pinot on their mind, but they leave with Grenache in their heart. 

That’s because the long growing season that Pinot Noir has to go through to become a rich, muscular Sea Smoke-esque wine pushes the delicate grape to its limits. Grenache, on the other hand, lives for that kind of ripeness—and when it gets there, it’s loaded with acid, vivacity, and structure. 

The Grenache Stolpman makes from their estate vineyards packs the richness you’d expect from a wine from warm Ballard Canyon. This first-ever bottling comes from cooler climes—a coast-side vineyard that supplies a handful of the finest Grenaches made in the area—which means its perfect ripeness is accompanied by a sleek grace.

Rhône-lovers like us will doubtless think of the inimitable 100%-Grenache Château Rayas, a wine we invoked to Pete. He confirmed their influence, calling the 2010 Rayas ($1,500) and Fonsalette ($500) “the dragon we’re chasing.” So don’t think of the big Grenache-heavy bruisers you can find in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Stolpman leans much more toward the wines that embody Châteauneuf elegance.