TN: 2005 Arcadian Syrah Stolpman Vineyard

  • 2005 Arcadian Syrah Stolpman Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Ynez Valley (2/4/2012)
    Purple ruby with some clarity. Aromas of black pepper, lavender, black cherry and beef marinade. Opens up on the palate with vibrant blueberry and cherry backed with black tea, fresh herbs and cracked pepper. Drinks with a silky richness, adding a nutty almond note as it moves back on the palate. Silky fine tannins and a touch of acid and spice on the finish. Nice breathy and lengthy finish. Excellent. (93 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker

In February 2008, I tasted through all the 2005 Arcadian wines and bought a number of them. My favorite syrah was the Purisima Vineyard from Santa Ynez Valley, a very graceful and complex and balanced wine. Your note on the Stolpman sounds like a beautiful wine, but four years ago I felt it showed a little hot and simple, certainly rich and concentrated but less graceful than the Purisima. So it seems to have evolved well in the interim. I can add that each bottle of that Purisima has really delivered for me, and glad I have 4 bots left for the coming years.

And by coincidence, I drank the 2003 Arcadian “Evans Ranch” syrah tonight, a really wonderful CA syrah that is quite restrained, balanced, and very Arcadian in style… Outstanding.

Lewis, I’ve had the 05 Purisma recently as well. It’s very similar to the Stolpman in flavor profile, and I would agree with you that’s probably a more graceful wine overall. I think the Stolplman probably offers a little more structure at this point. I could see where you got that it had a little heat to it, although I perceived it as mellowed and integrated. At any rate, both great wines! Will have to try the Evans Ranch sometime… Cheers!