Description
The Vineyard
The Stolo vineyard was planted in 1998 by the legendary Rhône proponent John Alban. The site is just 3 miles from the Pacific Ocean, right outside of the quaint coastal town of Cambria, west of Paso Robles in the northern part of the new San Luis Obispo Coast AVA. The site is perpetually cold, windy and foggy, allowing for slow ripening and full flavor development at low sugars. The vines grow in sandy clay loam alluvial soils derived from weathered sedimentary rock. The site is managed by the incomparable Rajat Parr, who has taken over the estate’s winemaking as well.
The Wine
The Syrah was hand-harvested on October 22nd, the grapes were foot-trod and fermented 100% whole cluster with native yeast for 11 days, then basket pressed and aged in 3 neutral oak barrels for eight months. As a native of SLO county, this site represents so much of what I loved about growing up in the rolling coastal hills, it truly smells like home. I am honored to work with this beautiful site that has been dedicated to growing Syrah in such a truly cold climate for over 20 years, and I am thrilled with the first vintage I made from this site.
