Stolpman Vineyards 'La Cuadrilla' Santa Ynez Valley Red Blend 2023

Winemaking

Stolpman Vineyards is committed to sustainable farming and thoughtful winemaking that lets the Santa Ynez Valley terroir shine through. The team crafts blends that balance power with elegance, respecting both the fruit and the place it comes from. Their approach favors restraint over extraction, resulting in wines built for the table rather than the trophy case.

Tasting Notes

La Cuadrilla opens with inviting aromas of ripe blackberry and plum, threaded through with subtle oak and white pepper. On the palate, you'll find a well-integrated blend that moves gracefully between dark fruit and earthy spice, with a soft cocoa undertone that emerges on the mid-palate. The refined tannins and bright acidity keep everything in balance, and the finish lingers pleasantly with echoes of blackberry and stone fruit.

Producer

Stolpman Vineyards operates as a family-focused estate in Santa Ynez Valley, emphasizing sustainable vineyard management and minimal intervention in the cellar. The winery has built a reputation for producing elegant, food-friendly wines that reflect the valley's cool-climate potential without the heaviness that can dominate California blends.

Terroir

Santa Ynez Valley sits in the heart of Santa Barbara County's wine country, where Pacific fog moderates temperatures and extends the growing season. The valley floor where these fruit sources originate benefits from well-drained soils and diurnal temperature swings that build complexity in the grapes. The cool maritime influence allows for balanced alcohol and vibrant acidity—hallmarks of the region's best work.

Food Pairings

Serve this wine alongside a herb-crusted lamb chop or a pan-seared duck breast with cherry gastrique, where the wine's spice and tannin structure will find a natural match. It's equally at home with a casual burger topped with aged cheddar and caramelized onions, or roasted root vegetables with a balsamic glaze.