Ojai Vineyard - "Clima Frío" Santa Barbara County Chardonnay 2023

Adam Tolmach of Ojai Vineyard is one of the pioneers of the Santa Barbara County wine scene. He founded Au Bon Climat with Jim Clendenen, then moved on to start Ojai in 1983. To this day, he has never grown past the 6000 cases he makes each year in three makeshift, temperature-controlled barns in the backwoods of Ojai. By choosing to work strictly with cool climate vineyards and paying growers by the acre, Adam ensures himself control of the farming and the yields. He makes elegant, aristocratic wines and has been at the forefront of the growing movement of American winemakers to make more balanced wines, prizing finesse over power. Ojai Vineyard is one of California's best kept secrets, though one Corkscrew customers have known for many years!

Ojai's Clima Frío Chardonnay comes from two vineyards in the Western fringes of Santa Barbara County. This Chardonnay displays dazzling aromas of citrus-drizzled, white stone fruit with hints of crushed chalk and sea spray. The medium-bodied palate showcases this wine's beautiful texture and leesy roundness which swaddles flavors of white peach, apricot and lemon curd. Extremely well-balanced, the Clima Frío Chardonnay is guided effortlessly toward a long, delicate finish by nervy acidity and a vibrant wet stone minerality. Pair with sushi, flaky white fish or chicken piccata. For a real treat, enjoy this invigorating Chardonnay with classic moules-frites.