Stolpman Vineyards, Santa Barbara County (California) “Love You Bunches” Sangiovese 2022 ($22)

In 2013 Stolpman began experimenting with Sangiovese with the goal of making a lighter, fruit filled version using the carbonic maceration process widely used for Beaujolais Nouveau. In 2016 the wine was named “Love You Bunches” because the clusters or bunches demand special attention throughout the fermentation. Picked at relatively low sugar levels, the bunches are fermented by native yeast. Soon after fermentation is finished, the wine is bottled. The end result is a red wine that is loaded with vibrant raspberry character, is relatively light on the palate, and has only a slight hint of tannin. The flavors are smooth and there’s good acidity to keep it all fresh. The winery says “Serve cold,” and so we did and, yes, even when really chilled it retained its freshness and overall appeal.
90 Norm Roby