2017 Stolpman Estate Roussanne Ballard Canyon

Winemaker Notes:  Aromas of Asian pear and honeysuckle sprinkled with citrus tell the tale of a rich, indulgent Roussanne ready to coat the palette in full-bodied splendor. On the nose, one can almost smell the rich texture and the mouthfeel doesn’t disappoint. While opulence carries the day, complimentary notes of lychee, lemongrass, and jasmine bring a more delicate prettiness. Aromas of white flower give further lift while golden hay – the only evidence of toasty oak barrels – brings the wine to a long, luxurious finish.

We feel we have a singular opportunity to make opulent, intriguing Roussanne. The varietal is extremely slow to grow and mature through the season and the conditions at Stolpman combine to allow for even, albeit late, ripening. Our southern location near 34 degrees latitude gives the Roussanne grapes intense solar radiation to tan the fruit their namesake “Rousse” or Rust color. Limestone soils and cold nights combine to maintain acidity late in the year. Low humidity and high winds keep the grapes clear of mold and for better or worse, we never get significant rain fall through harvest. La Cuadrilla takes every possible effort in the vineyard to optimize the Roussanne fruit. Most notably, in late July we pull leaves away from the fruit to allow direct sun penetration. A month prior to forecasted harvest, every grape cluster is rotated 180 degrees to facilitate an even sun-tan. We are extremely proud that our 19 acres of Roussanne now represent a world-wide benchmark for the varietal.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM


Decanter - "The 2017 Stolpman Roussanne was aged for 9 months in 25% new French oak, a reduction from its prior elevage of entirely new wood. The nose is oily but poised, with classic Roussanne aromas of stone fruit and jasmine flowers. Its texture is fleshy and supple, bound together by a clean, lively core. This vintage contains 12% Chardonnay to bolster the structure of the finish, and I applaud Stolpman for being upfront about the use of a non-typical variety in the blend."


Wine Enthusiast - "A dark shade of yellow in the glass, this bottling offers aromas of orange cream, salted lemons, concentrated melon and a light brush of oak. There is good grip and a decent sizzle to the sip before it settles into fleshy fruit, offering dried peach, sea salt, mango and savory roast chicken flavors."


Vinous - "The 2017 Roussanne Estate is quite delicate in this vintage. In 2017, the Estate has 12% Chardonnay, which adds complexity and nuance, while also pushing some of the Roussanne character into the background. Even so, it is a very pretty wine. Drink it over the next few years."