98pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

A single 500-liter puncheon was produced of the 2023 Syrah The Great Places Otto Reynard Stolpman, which I tasted before bottling. It is another new addition to this superb array of ultra-high-density plantings at Stolpman, all of which increase the headroom for Syrah's potential in the region. This bottling emerges from a west-facing section of stake-trained vines planted to 6,000 vines per acre, propagated from pre-clonal cuttings of Domaine Auguste Clape's parcel in Reynard. The most floral and perfumed of the series, it opens with a gorgeous nose of lavender and violet aromas grounded by black and blue fruits with dusty, spice-driven flourishes. On the palate, it is seamless, dense and concentrated while exuding a palpable sense of authenticity that feels tailored and guided rather than forced into its robust frame. It finishes with a quick punch of velvety, tannic intensity before recoiling with youthful tension. Even with a relatively short time in the glass, this wine unlocked dynamically, the finish eventually displaying a classy decadence through an upright, unwavering posture. I couldn't have been more impressed with this new range from Stolpman, and I cannot wait to taste this as a finished wine.

98pts James Suckling

Vivid, rich black fruit dominates this full-bodied, sleek and finely tannic wine. Black pepper, wood smoke, star anise and violet accents kick in as you sip. Great structure, a linear feel and wild, diverse flavors make it something special. Drinkable now, but best from 2029.

Tasting Notes

Vibrant, piercingly ripe red fruit, powerfully opulent perfume. With air, bottomless blues emerge, just like Otto (the boy’s) deep blue eyes. Also like the wine’s namesake, a devilish grin of personality melts the heart. But the wine is also grown up and serious. Deep and coating backed by graphite and fine tannin. Booming and impressive yet sophisticated with precise, detailed layers – think of a perfected theater sound system. Already in sync and flowing, the 2023 will hit some unimaginable new height when the fine tannin and balancing acidity become fully enveloped by the wine’s impressive richness.

About the Wine

Stolpman’s Pre Clonal, Own Rooted Projects

In 2007, our vineyard manager Ruben Solorzano embarked on the most ambitious project in the new world – gathering pre clonal vine material from some of the world’s best vineyards, and then planting those vines without rootstock at our vineyard in Ballard Canyon. This vine material was planted own rooted with 2.5 x 3 foot spacing allowing for 6,000 vines per acre which produce wines unlike anything we had ever tasted. Each acre can only be worked by hand – requiring the full-time human labor of one person per year, per acre to bring these wines to you. There are no tractors. There are no short cuts. This is what we’ve been working on since 2007 and we’re excited to share it with you.

Planted in 2016, 2023 marks the debut classification of Pete and Jessica Stolpman’s younger son, Otto Reynard. Propagated from his elder sibling’s block, August James, both brothers’ wines were inspired by Auguste Clape’s Reynard parcel in Cornas. East
facing, August ripens earlier than the west-facing, windier exposure, Otto. 

Organic

Biodynamic