Ojai Vineyard Bien Nacido Chardonnay 2007
Ojai Vineyard
For years we produced our Bien Nacido Chardonnay by fermenting and aging it in oak barrels, one third of them new. While that gave the wine a rich toasty character, we found that the new oak made it heavier and less friendly with food--and dominated over the considerable charms that the vineyard possessed. Since 2000, our Bien Nacido has been our argument in favor of using only older barrels in the production of chardonnay. At first, some people couldn't understand what was so great about a wine with some restraint, but these days people are embracing the idea that wine is not a meal in itself but a beautiful synergistic accompaniment to food.
In 2007 the vines were drought stressed and yielded a very small crop, giving us a wine that is expressive and flavorful. While its youthful acidity stands out at the moment, this wine is already a great match with rich flavored foods
Wine Enthusiast
This is an extraordinarily rich Chardonnay, built along Burgundian lines. A deep gold color, it explodes in tangerine-infused butterscotch, honeysuckle, citron, spice and tangy mineral flavors, and finishes with a savory bite of coastal acidity.
Score: 93.
—Steve Heimoff,
October
01,
2009.
Wine Advocate
The 2007 Chardonnay Bien Nacido, which reveals a slight greenish hue to its straw color, offers smoky, earthy, orange blossom, and lemon oil notes. Full-bodied with good acidity, it should age for 5-6 years.
Score: 90.
—Robert Parker,
August
2009.
All sizes are 750mL unless otherwise noted.
Vintages and ratings subject to change at any time.
All pricing and availability subject to change.
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