Sometimes you’re so overwhelmed and in the weeds that you ask yourself, “Why do I do this shit?” Why do I spend so much time tasting, writing, and photographing wine? Why do I continue even though the algorithm keeps changing and engagement is harder to achieve? It’s because of this amazing community that fuels my passion for wine. I learn and grow with so many of you—so a big cheers to that! For that revelation, I grabbed Stolpman’s Love You Bunches Sangiovese 2019 because I love you all bunches! I was actually * influenced * to grab this wine by Wino Dino.
Over 20 years ago, Founding Partner Tom Stolpman discovered a viticultural site just hidden in the hills of California’s Central Coast, on a rare limestone outcropping unobstructed from the Pacific Ocean wind. Dedicated to sensible farming and winemaking, they strived to create vibrant, site-specific wines with a focus unique to Ballard Canyon AVA, California. They are committed to preserving this natural environment for their vines through conscious farming, dry farming, and sustainable employment. In the winery, they prefer native fermentation and minimal manipulation.
Tom and Marilyn Stolpman planted their first grapes in 1992 and today have 120 planted acres. The vineyard continues to be a dynamic location for the planting of Syrah, Sangiovese, and Rousanne. Jeff Newton and Larry Finkle, along with Vineyard Manager Ruben Solorzano, have recently planted high density vines and continue to explore the standards of what it takes to make the best quality grapes from southern exposed vines and limestone soil.
This wine is 100% Sangiovese, and the grapes are intentionally picked late on the riper side to allow for tannins and acids to soften. Then a long slow aging process (30 months in barrel, 6 more in bottle) allows the grapes to ferment whole, uncrushed in a sealed tank—creating a red wine containing only a fraction of the tannin present in a traditionally fermented red wine.
This wine is a Miamian’s red wine dream—perfect for endless summer. I drank it slightly chilled, and it was totally porch-pounding easy drinking. It had a vibrant, ruby color. It had a red nose of berries, stone, and plum. It was dry, medium bodied, medium+ acidity, with a long tart finish. The mouth was juicy with raspberries, cherries, and strawberries. I’d drink it with dinner, in the pool, at a picnic—anywhere and everywhere. I grabbed this beaut at Sunset Corners.
