2023 Stolpman Vineyards "Uni" White Blend, Ballard Canyon, California, USA

ABOUT THIS WINE

Named after the Japanese word for sea urchin, Uni is Stolpman Vineyards’ ode to ocean-influenced freshness and umami. The 2023 vintage is a blend dominated by Roussanne and Chardonnay, with a touch of Grenache Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc, harvested early to preserve acidity and tension. The fruit is organically farmed on limestone-rich soils in the Ballard Canyon AVA of Santa Barbara County, a cool-climate pocket that fosters slow, even ripening.

Whole-cluster pressed and spontaneously fermented in neutral barrels and stainless steel, the wine is left unfined and lightly filtered, emphasizing its unadorned character. On the nose, it offers coastal aromas of lemon peel, crushed shell, and wet stone, with subtle tropical notes like yuzu and underripe pineapple. The palate is clean and linear, with a chalky minerality and a tangy, saline edge that evokes the coastal breeze. It’s tailor-made for seafood—especially oysters, crudo, or, fittingly, uni—but also shines with fresh cheeses or simple vegetable dishes.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Stolpman Vineyards, located in Ballard Canyon on California’s Central Coast, is a family-owned estate known for its dedication to sustainable viticulture and minimalist winemaking. Founded by Tom Stolpman in the 1990s and now led by son Peter Stolpman, the winery practices dry farming and organic agriculture, with a strong commitment to empowering its vineyard crew through long-term employment and a profit-sharing initiative known as "La Cuadrilla."

The estate focuses on Rhône and Mediterranean varieties but isn't afraid to innovate—Uni is a prime example of Stolpman’s playful, natural-leaning side. The winemaking philosophy is rooted in allowing each site and vintage to speak clearly, avoiding excessive manipulation and embracing texture, energy, and drinkability. With Uni, Stolpman brings an accessible, terroir-driven white wine to the table—pure, coastal, and utterly refreshing.