Stirm
Stirm produces wines from California's Central Coast, a region marked by maritime influence and diverse microclimates that shape distinctive expressions across varietals. The winery's portfolio centers on distinctive grapes and blends: the Wirz Vineyard Old Vine Riesling, a focused expression of the variety, and Cabernet Pfeffer, a rare varietal that anchors the range. Benitoite, a blend of Negrette, Zinfandel, and Cabernet Pfeffer, demonstrates the winery's approach to combining Old World grapes with California fruit. Wine Enthusiast has rated these wines, with the Old Vine Riesling and Cabernet Pfeffer among the portfolio's highest-rated offerings. The Central Coast terroir—cool coastal valleys and warm inland benchlands—provides the foundation for Stirm's work with both classic and unconventional varietals.
Critics
Wine Enthusiast