Ojai Bien Nacido Chardonnay 2017

Adam Tolmach of Ojai is one of the pioneers of Santa Barbara County. He founded Au Bon Climat with Jim Clendenen, then moved on to start Ojai in 1983. He’s never grown past the 6000 cases he makes today, in 3 rustic temperature controlled barns in the backwoods of Ojai. He now only works with cool climate vineyards, pays the growers by the acre, ensuring his own control of the farming and yields. I find he makes incredibly aristocratic, elegant wines, leading the way for the growing movement of American winemakers to make more balanced wines, prizing finesse over power.

The 2017 Chardonnay finishes fresh while also having a curvy, bodacious feel. It mixes aromas of meyer lemons and nectarine with the classic Bien Nacido streaks of honey, iodine and minerals. The palate echoes the same in a creamy, mouthcoating way that closes with a strong backbone of acidity.