2001 Qupe Syrah Stolpman Vineyard

Rhone varietals are all the rage in the Central Coast. Bob Lindquist of Qupe, though, was an early adopter and has chalked up considerable experience with Syrah. The 2001 Qupe Stolpman Vineyard shows why so many winemakers would like to get their hands on grapes from this famous Santa Ynez vineyard.

Lindquist’s 2001 is beautifully balanced, seamless in style. The fruit is stunning and tastes somehow of the garrigue, the wild scented hillsides of Provence. Intense, yet understated, something earthy and profound comes through in this Rhone emigrant. A bottle for a special occasion.

If you see a bottle of Qupe Syrah from a little vineyard called Alisos, you might want to pick up a bottle of that too. It might be the finest Syrah Lindquist is making right now, but it’s available in much more limited quantities.

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Quick swirl

Region: Santa Ynez Valley, Calif.

Price: About $25

Style: Lush and elegant

Food it goes with: Sonoma lamb, grilled meats, and roasts cooked with garlic, rosemary and thyme.

Where you find it: Beverage Warehouse in Marina del Rey, (310) 306-2822; Hi-Time Wine Cellars in Costa Mesa, (949) 650-8463; Vintage Wines Limited in San Diego, (858) 549-2112; the Wine Club in Santa Ana, (714) 835-6485; the Wine House in Los Angeles, (310) 479-3731; Woodland Hills Wine Co. in Woodland Hills, (818) 222-1111.