We received a case of Stolpman to look at for possible distribution so today popped the corks and checked the wines out. I have had little experience with Stolpman, 3-4 bottles total and have a couple of bottles left in the cellar. These wines seem a little more restrained and less alcoholic than what my experience has been and all in all was very impressed.
12’ Roussanne- Opened with creamy oak, bees wax, pear, soft but complex with great acid and structure, really pretty even if the oak is a little overt on the nose.
11’ L’Avion Roussanne- This is much different stylistically than there regular Roussanne, this is less open and fresh, deeper, richer colors and textures it even seems like it has a touch of botrytis.
11’ Estate Syrah- A little cracked black pepper on the nose that rounds off with red/dark fruits, pretty primary. Tart fruit, moderate plus acid with great weight and texture.
11’ Hilltop Syrah- This was a different beast from the estate, with a a lifted oak component and a slightly darker profile.
12’ Angeli- From what I gather this is their highest end Syrah. the nose is pepper, Sarsaparilla, touch heat. Great acid and texture with dark berry fruit, pepper, licorice, silky tannin with a long finish. Don’t touch this for 5 years.
12’ Grenache ‘Dover Canyon’- Meat, pepper, darker berries, lifted lilacs with a little barrel note that adds complexity and roundness to the nose. The palate echos the nose with great intensity, rich but really restrained for it’s style with more Raspberry fruit
12’ Sangiovese- I don’t know what to think of Sangio outside of Italy, yes, this is and Nebbiolo are the only 2 grapes I have trouble with outside of their traditional regions. It’s a very well made wine with cocoa and dark fruits in the nose. The palate has Blackberry, leather, cocoa, with smooth tannin. Great wine.
I found these wines very well made with great acidity, flavors, balance and stuffing, I found the balance extremely impressive at such young ages as well.