Stolpman Combe Trousseau Ballard Canyon 2019

Maria Solorzano is the unsung hero/forewoman of Stolpman Vineyards. She has spent her career tending to the vines, enacting the viticultural visions of her husband Ruben, who is Stolpman's head vineyard manager. Maria grew up in the small Jaliscan village of Santa Cruz two hours away from Guadalajara and just a few miles from Ruben’s ranchito. Combe is a collaborative label between Stolpman Vineyards and legendary sommelier, Rajat Parr. The name “combe” refers to the French word for a small, sheltered valley within a vineyard, and reflects their vision to create wines that are similar to those of the Jura in France. Stolpman’s limestone soils and cooler location proved ideal for the light red trousseau grape, known for producing vibrant, aromatic wines. The trousseau was fermented partially whole-cluster in concrete and stainless steel before being aged for a short time in neutral large French oak barrels. A heady nose of perfumed dark berries, crushed wildflowers, and a whiff of incense introduce a medium-bodied palate with crunchy acidity, brambly cranberry, raspberry, and dark cherry notes, and a savory herbal finish. Always interesting but never overbearing, trousseau retains an innate elegance but isn’t afraid to show off its wilder side (think pinot noir’s hippie-chick cousin!) Organically grown, low intervention/natural wine, vegan.