2016 Stolpman ‘Para Maria’ Rosé

Grapes: 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Syrah
Vineyard/Cellar Stats: clay soil on top of limestone, low irrigation, fermented and aged in stainless steel, cabernet pressed off the skins immediately, Syrah left on skins for 6 hours.
Winemaker: Sashi Moorman

You know we’re big fans of the Stolpman family here at Rock Juice – in addition to working organically since day one, and producing wine in a very low-intervention way, they do something really cool and unusual: employ their vineyard workers year-round and full-time, as well as offer profit sharing. Says Peter, “We strive not only to make the best wine possible – we are also committed to creating a healthy, stable work environment for fifteen families. Proud, fulfilled people make better wine!” You may remember the ‘Para Maria’ Syrah we featured last Spring, which was off the charts delicious – now we have their very first rosé! Para Maria is a partnership between Peter Stolpman and his vineyard manager, Ruben Solorzano, who dedicates the wine to unsung hero of the vineyard: Maria, his wife and mother hen to the whole crew. The grapes come from Ruben’s own vineyards, gifted to him by the Stolpman. Beautiful salmon pink in color, with a dense core of spicy fruit, bright watermelon, a slightly dusty note and length on the finish, this wine is as beautiful as it looks.