Ojai "Clima Frío" Chardonnay - 2023

In a vast sea of Chardonnay from California, certain characters stand apart. What makes some wines more interesting than others? I’m always drawn to the ones that speak to a sense of place over adhering to a style; wines that offer something unique. Ojai's "Bien Nacido" is one of those wines that has something more to it. They've been making this wine from the same block of vines in the Santa Maria valley since 1991. Although many things have changed, and needless to say some of the recent vintages have been more difficult, their commitment to this spot is admirable. The palate has a nice tension between piercing lemon rind and ripe yellow plums, and finishes with clean mineral notes. It's a splendid wine, and one that I find myself going back to over the years.