2018 Combe Trousseau Stolpman Vineyard Ballard Canyon

100% Trousseau

Rajat Parr and Pete Stolpman's esoteric collaboration is labeled "Combe" referring to the French word for a small sheltered valley within a vineyard

This year Rajat fermented 2/3 of the Trousseau de-stemmed and 1 /3 whole-cluster. Lots were kept separate to taste the result t of each and we decided the two complimented each-other. The whole cluster portion granted a bit of structure and delicate savory notes to the pure juiciness of the de-stemmed wine. Only one pump-over per day to circulate the juice until halfway through fermentation, when we employed a once-daily punch down, for 3 consecutive days, to extract more color from the skins. This wine consists of only free run (no press wine) to maintain purity. Bottled without sulfur or other additions.

-stolpmanvineyards.com

(91 Points) The Stolpman team is on the leading edge of the domestic fresh and bright red wine movement, and this may be the most symbolic example. Zesty aromas of framboise and anise lead into a snappy sip where fresh berries meet with slight herbs and mild spice.

-WINE ENTHUSIAST