97pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

A new addition to Stolpman's array of own-rooted, ultra-high-density plantings, the 2022 Syrah The Great Places Jessica Lauren Stolpman fits right in as a towering expression of Santa Barbara County Syrah. The plant material consists of Serine clones originating from Domaine Clusel-Roch's Les Grandes Places lieu-dit in Côte-Rôtie—from which Stolpman's series takes its name—planted at 6,000 vines per acre. The nose is one of the more aromatically open and expressive of this series, evoking quintessential Syrah aromas of cracked black pepper, roasted game and beef jerky, all bound together with an intense iodine character and black-fruited richness. The palate brings together a seductive trifecta of inky concentration, a lavish, velvety texture and an intensely savory undertone, all while avoiding overt opulence. The finish is glacial and cascading, swelling slowly while continuously regenerating spice-laden complexity bolstered by supple, spherical tannins. As with the rest of the range, I have no doubt this wine will dramatically benefit from cellaring, and the tiny production of 75 cases further emphasizes my recommendation to hold off on this for a few years.

95pts Jeb Dunnuck

Along the same lines, the 2022 Syrah Great Places Jessica Lauren Stolpman is nevertheless more upfront and has juicy red and blue fruits as well as spring flowers, bacon fat, and violets. If the 2021 is more Hermitage, this is more Côte Rôtie, with a round, supple, sexy mouthfeel, wonderfully polished (yet still substantial) tannins, and a great finish. As with most of the Syrahs here, this was not destemmed and was brought up in larger, neutral barrels.

93pts Wine Enthusiast

Upon popping the cork, this wine begins a long journey of sensory evolution that is good evidence of how long it will last in the bottle. Tarry aromas weave through the damp earth, peppercorn and dark strawberry on the nose. There's a prickly acidity to the sip that integrates into the soil, berry and pepper flavors on the palate. This may evolve into a very amazing wine but it's hard to tell right now. Drink now-2042.