The Ojai Vineyard, Bien Nacido Chardonnay, Santa Maria Valley, California, 2022

Overview of the Wine
Adam Tolmach went to UC Davis and studied viticulture and enology, and after graduating in 1976 he settled down on the property his grandfather bought in the Ojai Valley in 1933 to farm sweet corn and melons, selling them at a roadside stand. After two years of this satisfying, yet difficult and nearly profitless work he sought employment in his field of study.

Adam had planted a vineyard in Ojai to Syrah and Sauvignon Blanc and had begun producing wine from that fruit in 1983. When the collaboration with Clendenen ended he concentrated all his attention on The Ojai Vineyard to further explore the infinite details of his craft.

Looking back over the last 25 years, one can see the development of The Ojai Vineyard came in three distinct phases. In the beginning it was lots of fun discovering the budding Santa Barbara County, experimenting with new plantings, new areas, and a wide selection of varietals; Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, and other Rhone varietals. Back in 1983 the vines were grown without much care in what was called a California sprawl. It took years to get growers to move towards progressive practices like drip irrigation and vertical trellising to improved wine grape quality.

Grape / Blend
100% Chardonnay 

Origin
Santa Maria Valley, California

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
The old-vines source of the Bien Nacido Chardonnay is rooted in loamy soil over shale. The wine reflects its cool climate origin with high-toned sweet citrus and orchard fruit aromas touched with notes of acacia flowers and sea breeze. The palate is full and elegant, offering flavors of Meyer lemon curd and salted pineapple that intertwine with a bright acidity, leading to a lively, mineral-laced finish. Enjoy with scallops, sushi or fish tacos. 

With ripe exuberance and focused freshness, this 2022 Bien Nacido Chardonnay makes sure strides on a tight rope. The palate is voluminous and elegant; there’s a rich lemon curd flavor that almost reminds the winery of their old Solomon Hills Chardonnays.

Product size: 750ml