Single-Vineyard Chardonnay Thriller from Ojai!

2023 The Ojai Vineyard "Puerta Del Mar" Chardonnay
Santa Barbara County, California
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On a rainy Monday at the quaint Ojai winemaking facilities, we huddled under a tent as the legendary Adam Tomlach poured his wines for us. When this Chardonnay from the Puerta Del Mar vineyard filled the glasses, our eyes lit up. We knew we had found something quite special.

Ample notes of pear and apricot were met with brioche, cardamom, and perfectly integrated vanilla bean. Fermented and aged for 16 months in 1/3rd new French oak, the mouthfeel and texture must be experienced to be believed.

Owned by Screaming Eagle's Stan Kroenke, the vineyard name translates to "Door of the Sea." Located just west of the Sta. Rita Hills, its close proximity to the cool oceanic breezes and morning fog of the Pacific Ocean results in a Chardonnay of exquisite finesse, energy and complexity, with a streak of oceanic mineral character.

We debated scores, with our most senior taster throwing out an unbridled 97 points. After intense debate over a few early evening beers, we settled in on 95 points. The words "viscous, rich and velvety" are just the start. These tasting notes from Jeb Dunnuck are spot-on...

"Aged 16 months in 33% new French oak, the 2023 Chardonnay Puerta Del Mar Vineyard Special Bottling has ripe orchard fruits, orange blossom, spicy wood, and subtle brioche nuances. It's beautifully textured and medium-bodied, with a concentrated mid-palate and nicely integrated acidity. Beautiful today, this should have a decade of prime drinking with a gradual evolution beyond that. Drink 2025-2035."
          - 94 Points, Jeb Dunnuck (9/4/2025)

Enjoyable from the moment the cork was popped, we tasted this wine over the better part of a week. On day five, it was still breathtakingly beautiful. We can only imagine how much better it will get with additional age.  

Eleven barrels, about 200 cases, of this "special bottling" were produced. We found just three online listings. Our price beats them all. Only a few cases available. Once they're gone, they're gone!

Vin Chicago Price: 49.99