THE OJAI VINEYARD
OJAI Chardonnay, Bien Nacido Vineyard 2013 – 93
The 2013 Ojai Bien Nacido Vineyard Chardonnay delivers striking aromas of pear, citrus zest, white floral, honeysuckle and stony minerality which leads to a beautifully balanced core of fruit and acidity. It continues to impress with its excellent focus and purity all the way the through the lively finish which also shows notable length. (Best 2015-2022)
OJAI Chardonnay, Puerta Del Mar Vineyard 2013 – 92
Puerta Del Mar is a cool, late ripening Vineyard, located in at the western edge of Santa Rita Hills and the close proximity to the Pacific can greatly influence the vines. As the 2013 ‘Puerta Del Mar’ Chardonnay from Ojai fleshes out in the glass, it delivers wonderful aromas of white peach, nectarine, white flowers and spices which all begin to take shape. It becomes open and expressive with air, and the beautifully textured finish is delicious and very satisfying. This will certainly benefit from another year or so of bottle age and can be enjoyed for up to a decade. (Best 2016-2026)
OJAI Pinot Noir, Bien Nacido Vineyard 2013 – 93
The Bien Nacido Pinot Noir from Ojai is an extremely compelling wine in 2013, offering beautiful aromas and flavors of ripe red fruits, floral, spices, blood orange, dusty minerals and a touch of fresh herbs and anise, which all come together beautifully in the glass. It continues to impress with its outstanding balance and seamless texture all the way through the pretty, spice-tinged finish. Approachable now, but should also continue to evolve over the next decade. (Best 2015-2026)
OJAI Pinot Noir, Fe Ciega Vineyard 2013 – 93
This Pinot Noir from Ojai comes from the Fe Ciega vineyard, which is located in the cool climate, and western side of Santa Rita Hills. It delivers bright aromas of cherry, leather, nutmeg, rose, dark soil, plum and red currant, which leap from the glass. There is a solid core of concentrated fruit, but it is also light on it’s feet. Overall, this displays a wonderful balance between bold fruit, elegance and acidity through the palate into the silky finish. This is one of the most compelling Pinot Noirs from Ojai in 2013 and will likely get even better with some additional time the bottle. (Best 2017-2027)
