Ojai tasting with Fabien Castel
State Line, Elkton MD
Tasted Thursday, February 15, 2018 by lockestep with 169 views
Introduction
Tasting 8 current releases with Fabien Castel, 17-year assistant to Adam T. Fabien is listed as marketing director but as with many small businesses takes on every role.
Flight 1 - Ojai current releases (8 Notes)
Presented in tasting order
Closing
All in all a good showing. I first tried Ojai in the mid-late 1980’s, and the wines today are (to my taste) better than any from the past. The style is less massive than the 1990s phase, and show a lot more balance. And they are certainly more food friendly.
2016 Ojai Sauvignon Blanc McGinley 89 Points
USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Ynez Valley
Nose shows slight perfume, none of the off-putting ammonia scents too common with SB. Palate of green apple, solid acids take over and clean it out. Fabian claims it will age well, having tasted older vintages in depth.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2016 Ojai Chardonnay Puerta del Mar Vineyard 88 Points
USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Barbara County
Lighter style, they are going for a Chablis but it still has California written all over it. 5% new oak gives it a kiss in the final so but does not control.Long on the palate with a balanced finish. Should improve.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2016 Ojai Viognier Roll Ranch Vineyard 87 Points
USA, California
A delicate lean style. Went through 100% malo to add tension. Has a bit of heat in the back end of a decently long finish. Less interest in the nose than I usually encounter with Viognier.
Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue
2015 Ojai Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County 81 Points
USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Barbara County
This was the only wine in the lineup that I did not like. Light in color with a bit of earthiness, is seemed out of balance. A sharp astringent note dominated the palate.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2013 Ojai Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard 90 Points
USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Maria Valley
Viscous. Darker than the Santa Barbara, with an excellent nose already picking up some interesting notes. Bright and approachable, had the structure to support cellar time.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2015 Ojai Syrah Santa Barbara County 88 Points
USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Barbara County
Middleweight Syrah is lighter on the palate, decent flavors that lean towards the dark fruits and for now away from earthiness. A bit short on the finish, might improve with a year down.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2015 Ojai Syrah Roll Ranch Vineyard 92 Points
USA, California, South Coast, Ventura County
WOTN. Big structure, long, lots of fruit but restrained and with the acids to keep it in check.Beautiful balance, will improve. From own-rooted vines.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2015 Ojai Syrah/Grenache John Sebastiano Vineyard 88 Points
USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Barbara County
Fresh, forward style. Seem like more of a near-term drinker. Not exactly a lightweight: but after the straight Syrahs it comes across that way.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue