Stolpman Vineyards, Ballard Canyon (Santa Barbara County, California) Roussanne 2021

 Best known for Syrah, Stolpman turns out to be a strong advocate of Roussanne.  As for background and an introduction, the winery notes that Roussanne “might be the richest, most decadent white grape in the world.”  But apparently it benefits from some assistance as this wine is 70% Roussanne with 30% Chardonnay.  Subtitled “Uni,” this 2021 captures the honeysuckle, nectarine and orange rind aromatics that are Roussanne’s core features along with some tea and jasmine.  The texture is rich and smooth and the flavors remain vibrant and mouth-watering.  Bottled unfined and unfiltered, the wine ends on a strong, ripe, and youthful note.  Overall, high marks for its texture and vibrancy.