Stolpman Vineyards Roussanne ‘22

Description

Stolpman Vineyards Roussanne ‘22

This vibrant and textural white wine is a precise blend of 88% Roussanne and 12% Chardonnay, sourced entirely from the Stolpman Estate Vineyard within the limestone-rich hills of the Ballard Canyon AVA. The 2022 vintage was defined by dramatic climatic conditions, including a second consecutive year of drought and a severe Labor Day heatwave. These factors naturally limited yields, resulting in tiny, intensely concentrated clusters that delivered immense flavor impact. While the estate’s flagship "L'Avion" Roussanne is known for its new oak opacity, this Estate bottling serves as a fresher, more transparent counterpoint, often referred to by the winemaking team as "Baby L'Avion."

In the glass, the wine exhibits a distinctive, slightly hazy golden hue, a visual signature of its unfined and unfiltered production method which preserves the grape's natural colloids and textural weight. The nose is expressive and energetic, bursting with aromas of lemon zest, ripe tropical pineapple, and a unique note of fresh coconut flesh. On the palate, this is a medium-bodied, dry wine that strikes a fascinating balance between richness and lift. The mouthfeel is notably viscous and mouth-filling—classic traits of Roussanne—yet it remains airy and nimble thanks to the structural acidity provided by the Chardonnay component. Flavors of yellow apple, citrus pith, and tropical fruit linger on a finish that is both saline and refreshing.

Stolpman Vineyards is a pioneer of dry farming in Santa Barbara County, a practice that forces vine roots deep into the limestone soils to seek moisture, thereby increasing the mineral complexity and intensity of the fruit. The farming is certified sustainable and focuses on regenerative agriculture to maintain the health of the land for future generations. For this specific cuvée, the winemaking philosophy prioritized purity over oak influence. The juice was fermented and aged for eight months in neutral 500-liter French oak puncheons. Unlike the "L'Avion" bottling which sees new oak, the use of neutral vessels here allows the tactile, savory qualities of the Roussanne grape to shine without being masked by wood tannins or vanilla spices.

This wine’s combination of opulence and acidity makes it an exceptional partner for American coastal cuisine. It pairs beautifully with pan-seared scallops served with a lemon-butter reduction, as the wine's viscosity matches the texture of the scallops while the acid cuts through the butter. For a classic regional pairing, serve this with a Connecticut-style lobster roll (warm with butter); the tropical notes in the wine complement the sweetness of the lobster meat. Alternatively, try it with a roast pork loin with an apricot glaze to highlight the stone fruit characteristics of the varietal.

While the reserve "L'Avion" bottling from this vintage garnered scores in the mid-90s from major critics like James Suckling and Wine Advocate, this Estate Roussanne is often a limited-production release primarily reserved for the winery's club members. It represents an insider’s choice for those seeking the "Stolpman style" of Roussanne—rich, golden, and hedonistic—in a more accessible and immediate format. It offers high-quality drinking that showcases the pedigree of the Ballard Canyon terroir at a distinct value relative to its reserve counterpart.