Hilltops Syrah 2022

Stolpman’s High Density, Ridgeline Syrah
We first vineyard designated this cuvee from the modern-day Hilltops block in 2008, only 4 years after replanting the Estate’s center ridge to a variety of our favorite Syrah strains and clones.  Since then, we have refined the Hilltops cuvee into a tight selection of our favorite micro-blocks within the greater hilltop.
Prior to 2008, the Hilltops wine came from a barrel selection of the most intense Syrah from all three ridges on the vineyard.  With less clay topsoil on the ridges and further exposed to the Ballard Canyon Pacific wind, the vines on the ridges yield lower for further concentration of flavor.  Grapes from the other two ridgelines are now blended into the main Estate Grown Syrah cuvee.
A second consecutive drought year brought a small, concentrated crop. The defining climatic event of the vintage occurred Labor Day weekend when we received a three-day heatwave well above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.  The heat accelerated ripening and brought even more intensity to the red wines.
A blast of a bountiful fruit continuum of red-purple-black erupts on the nose quickly followed by wood, peppercorn, and exotic spices.  The fruit and spice marry from the nose through the palate merging into a vibrant finish with balancing acidity uplifting the voluptuous body rather than dominate tannin.  The last 2022 wine to be released from the entire estate, the 2022 Hilltops has already matured into a delicious, pleasurable Syrah ready to be enjoyed!