2024 Stolpman Vineyards BLRDCYN Syrah Ballard Canyon 750 ml

Like the greatest ideas, Stolpman Vineyards seemed crazy at first. 

But Tom Stolpman was ready to roll the dice. He planted Syrah in the limestone-strewn hillsides of Santa Barbara’s Ballard Canyon, and in doing so, placed a wild bet on what many now deem to be the most precious site for the variety on California’s coast. Then, the Stolpman team doubled down, replanting at triple their standard density: 3,000 vines per acre. 

The idea came straight from the Northern Rhône slopes of Côte-Rôtie and Hermitage, where the densely packed vineyards pit vine against vine in a contest of survival. The high-density plantings would produce tiny berries with a high skin-to-juice ratio, yielding Syrah with greater richness and phenolic complexity. 

Sitting in the Santa Ynez Valley, Stolpman’s Ballard Canyon vineyards are far enough inland that hot, dry afternoons ensure the type of weight and concentration you’ll find in Napa reds. Simultaneously, the east-west valley acts as a wind tunnel for cool Pacific winds that blast the vines, imparting vibrancy and aromatic intensity to the finished wines.

If ever a wine were a celebration of this unique California grapegrowing spot, it’s the 2024 Stolpman BLRDCYN Syrah. The all-caps name comes from the license plate of Tom Stolpman’s truck, nodding to the Stolpman team driving up and down Ballard Canyon Road wondering about the different profiles their neighbors were getting from their Syrah. In the ‘24 season, proprietor Pete Stolpman purchased Syrah from four of his neighbors—fruit farmed by Stolpman’s own Grape Whisperer Ruben Solorzano.

One site was the clear winner—it wasn’t even close—so Stolpman decided to capture the small lot in a unique wine. The entire run was only 490 cases, and man, are we glad we scored you a share. Showing an inky red ruby core, the Syrah bursts with aromas of dark plum, cherry compote, and chocolate, with hints of lilac and black pepper. The meaty palate is full of dark fruit, herbs, and cocoa, with rich tannins that carry a long-lasting finish. 

From one of our all-time favorite producers, this is a pure and deliberately crafted taste of Ballard Canyon Syrah. Savor every sip.