Another great looking barrel sample, the 2014 La Croce (Syrah / Sangiovese) is an even split of Syrah and Sangiovese (co-fermented in concrete) and will see 20 months in neutral wood. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated and tannic, with black fruits, scorched earth and cedar aromas and flavors, it will need to be forgotten for 2-3 years to let the tannins integrate, but this puppy is loaded with potential.

A blend of equal parts Syrah and Sangiovese, the 2013 La Croce (Syrah / Sangiovese) is a bigger, richer and more structured wine than the Angeli. It has serious notes of black raspberries, cassis, pepper, smoked herbs and tobacco leaf to go with a savory, structured, nicely concentrated feel on the palate. It has the fruit to drink nicely today, but it hardly budged over the two days I had the bottle open, and will benefit from 2-3 years of cellaring once released. It should have 10-15 years of overall longevity.

The 2012 La Croce is a 50/50 blend of cofermented Syrah and Sangiovese, both of which were harvested on the same day. Black cherry, leather, ground herbs and hints of dried flowers all show nicely here, and this medium-bodied, supple and elegant wine has at least 6-7 years of prime drinking. This was a fantastic lineup by the team at Stolpman, and the wines are all made by Sashi Moorman. Tel. (805) 688-0400; www.stolpmanvineyards.com

A co-fermented blend of equal parts Syrah and Sangiovese that comes from a single block of the Stolpman Vineyard, the 2011 La Croce (aged 16 months in 25% new 300-liter barrels) dishes out quality aromas of bright cherry, tar, licorice and toasted spice on the nose. Medium-bodied, pure, supple and beautifully balanced, it needs another handful of years in the cellar and sill evolve nicely through 2021. Drink 2014-2021. Under the guidance of Sashi Moorman (of Sandhi Wines and the winemaker here since 2001), this estate has slowly moved toward earlier picking and slightly more fresh, elegant wines. Tel. (805) 688-0400; www.stolpmanvineyards.com

The 2009 Red Blend La Croce is a unique Sangiovese/Syrah blend. It shows lovely balance in its supple, harmonious dark fruit. Syrah seems to dominate the wine’s personality, while the Sangiovese is mostly felt in the wine’s softer textural profile vis-a-vis the other wines in this lineup. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022. Stolpman is located in the Ballard Canyon, one of the prettiest spots in the Santa Ynez Valley. Stolpman focuses on Rhone varieties and works exclusively with estate-grown fruit from biodynamically-farmed vineyards. Sashi Moorman oversees winemaking. Tel. (805) 688-0400; www.stolpmanvineyards.com