Santa Barbara County

add to cart View The Vineyard Aging Recommendation onehseet

This is a novelty for the Ojai Vineyard after having worked with syrah from this site since 2000. We made this wine for the first time in 2011 and from its inception it was powerfully attractive. Carried by the enthusiasm of our staff at the tasting room it sold out rapidly and unfortunately few customers or restaurants got a chance to try it. This time around we are giving our club members a chance to experience its charms.

In Italy the varietal is usually made in a more oxidative style, the naturally high acidity and tannins are brought into prominence and thus the wines require long cellaring to come into balance. Here at The Ojai Vineyard the aim is different. The varietal’s impressive fruitiness is bright and we strive to preserve its vibrancy. The site yields a striking acidity that is juicy and fresh and the tannins are well integrated and carry just enough power to be true to its origin. The result is a wine of great energy that is very fragrant—it’s an enthusiastic and pure rendition showing the potential for Italian varietals on the central coast. It is delicious now but certainly can age—perhaps like the beautiful high acid and tannic Zinfandels made by Adam in the eighties and nineties.

Blend: 100% Sangiovese | Vineyard: White Hawk | AVA: Santa Barbara County | Alcohol: 13.0% | Vinification: Neutral French Oak Barrel | Aging: 15 Months | Total Production: 207 Cases

Press Reviews

Antonio Galloni’s Vinous

“The 2014 Sangiovese White Hawk Vineyard is one of the hidden gems in the Ojai lineup. I can’t say the Ojai Sangiovese is especially varietal, it isn’t. And yet there is a depth to the fruit that is compelling. A burst of acidity and tannin on the finish are the only hints this is Sangiovese. The 2014 White Hawk is simply a delicious, impeccably balanced wine to enjoy for its entire, complete beauty”- AG 92 Points

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

“The medium ruby colored 2014 Sangiovese White Hawk offers a dark fruit, smoked earth, peppery and herbal style to go with medium body, fine tannin and bright acidity. It’s a solid, balanced red to enjoy over the coming 4-6 years.”- JD