After a string of the highest accolades Stolpman wines have ever received, they return with a 2021 L’Avion that stands up to the expectations of the most discerning collector of world-class, benchmark wines.

Pale gold in color upon release, the toasty new French oak already seamlessly takes a back seat to soft, lush honeysuckle. The softness downplays the richness that builds slowly through the mouth with a sustained coat long after swallowing. The fruit intensity will continue to muster for the next decade but for now, white flower petals whisp over the deep core. Already immensely pleasurable, Ican’t wait to drink this wine in a decade once deep, glowing gold and still fresh.

A cold spring led to a moderate summer without significant heat spikes through harvest. Over-all, 2021 harvest arrived late, with traditional reds beginning to hit peak ripeness at the end of September and through October.
The evenly sun-tanned clusters bound for L’Avion were visually “cherry-picked” the mornings of November 8 and 9, 2021 – a fairly typical harvest date for a moderate year without heat waves.

The 2021 L’Avion is a blend of 93% Roussanne and 7% Chardonnay made from vines planted in 1995 and 1999. It has inviting aromas of baked apples, bread dough, matchstick and charcuterie with savory undertones. The full-bodied palate features concentrated, savory fruit, an alluring touch of textural grip, just enough rounded freshness and a long, honeyed finish. 500 cases were made. (EB)