Stolpman Syrah Blend, Cuadrilla | 2022

When Tom Stolpman purchased his vineyards, he wanted his workers to work year-round to learn the lifecycle of the vine and become passionate about the process. So, the family started a program in which they gave one Cuadra (a vineyard block) to the workers. Besides being foolproof delicious, Cuadrilla is a symbol of paying it forward, as a percentage of profits goes back to the workers. The current release is a blend of 60% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 5% Mourvèdre, and 5% Sangiovese from Santa Barbara's Ballard Canyon. Equally fruity and savory, the wine oozes with black cherry, bacon bits, warm olive, dark purple herbs, raspberry liqueur. An ultimate pairing for anything off-the-grill, put a slight chill on it, and let a stacked burger do the rest. ~Allegra A