Stolpman Vineyards lies on a rare outcropping of limestone in Santa Barbara's newly-established Ballard Canyon AVA. What makes Ballard Canyon so different from the rest of Santa Barbara is that most of the valleys within the county are in an east/west orientation. Ballard Canyon, however, is north/south, which means the region is moderately sheltered from fog and winds. Ballard Canyon is warmer than the surrounding areas, but combined with the soils, this maked for an ideal location for Rhone varietals, such as Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, and Viognier. The Stolpman Vineyard has established itself as one of the prized vineyards in this region.
La Cuadrilla is Spanish for "the crew", and the proceeds from this wine go back to the farming crew. The core of the wine is harvested from the crew's Cuadra, a vineyard block that Vineyard Manager Ruben Solorzano gives the crew each year to encourage proactive farming and decision making. Winemaker Sashi Moorman then blends more of the estate’s wine into Cuadrilla, ensuring the wine accounts for at least 10% of Stolpman's production each year. La Cuadrilla symbolizes the dedication at Stolpman to sustainable year-round employment rather than reliance on migrant labor. This year, La Cuadrilla is a blend of 60% Syrah, 25% Grenache and 15% Sangiovese.
ANTONIO GALLONI 93 POINTS - "A blend of 60% Syrah, 25% Grenache and 15% Sangiovese, the 2024 La Cuadrilla is flat-out delicious. At once both bright and velvety-rich, the 2024 soaks into the palate with lively layers of black cherry, cinnamon, rose petal, orange zest and gravelly mineral tones. The textural harmony and brilliance of the acids are undeniable. The 2024 is a fabulous wine and—best of all—a ridiculous value. I would be a happy camper if more restaurants would put wines like this on their by-the-glass lists."
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 92 POINTS - "As ever, the 2024 La Cuadrilla is a Syrah-dominant blend that includes Grenache and Sangiovese, with the proceeds distributed among Stolpman's vineyard crew. Black fruits, herbs, citrus and stony flourishes come together on the nose, introducing a luscious, succulent palate and a crunchy, chalky finish that lingers with floral overtones."
La Cuadrilla is Spanish for "the crew", and the proceeds from this wine go back to the farming crew. The core of the wine is harvested from the crew's Cuadra, a vineyard block that Vineyard Manager Ruben Solorzano gives the crew each year to encourage proactive farming and decision making. Winemaker Sashi Moorman then blends more of the estate’s wine into Cuadrilla, ensuring the wine accounts for at least 10% of Stolpman's production each year. La Cuadrilla symbolizes the dedication at Stolpman to sustainable year-round employment rather than reliance on migrant labor. This year, La Cuadrilla is a blend of 60% Syrah, 25% Grenache and 15% Sangiovese.
ANTONIO GALLONI 93 POINTS - "A blend of 60% Syrah, 25% Grenache and 15% Sangiovese, the 2024 La Cuadrilla is flat-out delicious. At once both bright and velvety-rich, the 2024 soaks into the palate with lively layers of black cherry, cinnamon, rose petal, orange zest and gravelly mineral tones. The textural harmony and brilliance of the acids are undeniable. The 2024 is a fabulous wine and—best of all—a ridiculous value. I would be a happy camper if more restaurants would put wines like this on their by-the-glass lists."
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 92 POINTS - "As ever, the 2024 La Cuadrilla is a Syrah-dominant blend that includes Grenache and Sangiovese, with the proceeds distributed among Stolpman's vineyard crew. Black fruits, herbs, citrus and stony flourishes come together on the nose, introducing a luscious, succulent palate and a crunchy, chalky finish that lingers with floral overtones."
