2006 Arcadian Syrah Stolpman Vineyard

Firm yet polished tannins form the backbone for layers of deep, expressive fruit in the 2006 Syrah Stolpman. Despite its size, there is a weightless elegance and an air of sophistication that balance the intensity of the fruit. Here, too, this is not especially varietal, but it is pretty. Interestingly, the Stolpman finishes with distinctly Pinot-like overtones. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2021. Joe Davis is straightforward, frank and tells it like it is, or at least as he sees it. Davis’s time in Burgundy, and in particular the year he spent at Dujac in 1994/1995, remains a deeply formative experience. One of the many unique attributes of the Arcadian wines is that they are released with several years of bottle age, as opposed to the majority of Central Coast wines, which are released as soon as they are bottled. The Arcadian Pinots and Syrahs are made with a high percentage of stems, typically in the 80-100% range. Tel. (805) 737-3900; www.arcadianwinery.com

The lightest in the lineup and showing a perfumed, nuanced bouquet, the 2006 Arcadian Syrah Stolpman Vineyard delivers spiced cherries, dried flowers, forest floor, and rose petal aromatics. Subtle and almost delicate, the wine is medium bodied with a light, easy texture, good acidity, and a clean, focused finish. Certainly charming and open at the moment, I would consume these over the next 8 to 10 years.

Opaque purple. High-pitched blackberry and cherry aromas are complemented by notes of violet and dried rose, along with a smoky undertone. Fleshy and smooth, with sweet red and dark berry flavors and gentle tannins. Gains depth with air and finishes with good grip and a building note of sexy, sweet oak spices. This should be drinking well in the next few years.