When Tom Stolpman acquired the land for Stolpman Vineyards, he aimed to create a vineyard that would uplift everyone involved. He asked vineyard manager Ruben Solorzano to provide year-round employment for workers, offering them stable careers and the chance to raise their families securely. Ruben took this vision further by creating a training program that assigned small vineyard blocks, or “Cuadras,” to each team member, transforming them from laborers into farmers. Impressed by their progress, Tom decided that all wine produced from these Cuadras would be given to the crew, allowing them to take pride in their work. Since 2009, the Cuadrilla program has expanded, with at least 10% of vineyard production included in the blend, and profits returned to the crew through bonuses. Each year, the Cuadra shifts to a new vineyard area, resulting in a unique blend for each vintage, with creative director Kari Crist designing a fresh label inspired by the Cuadrilla members.
93 Points Robert Parker Wine Advocate
The 2022 La Cuadrilla is a blend of Syrah and Grenache with a smaller portion of Mourvèdre. It offers slowly unfurling scents of wild berries, tar, turned earth and wildflowers. The medium-bodied palate is bright and silky, with spicy, earthy fruit and a long, perfumed finish. 10,500 cases were made, and profits go to the vineyard workers at Stolpman.
Wine Notes
The 2022 La Cuadrilla is a blend of Syrah and Grenache with a smaller portion of Mourvèdre. It offers slowly unfurling scents of wild berries, tar, turned earth and wildflowers. The medium-bodied palate is bright and silky, with spicy, earthy fruit and a long, perfumed finish.
40% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 5% Mourvedre, 5% Sangiovese
