Ojai Chardonnay Clima Frio Vineyard Santa Barbara County 2023 750ml

This 2023 Chardonnay is the first of the new Clima Frío series, and they couldn’t ask for a better vintage to debut this concept. Coming from two vineyards in the Western fringes of Santa Barbara County, this Chardonnay speaks to the nearby ocean’s influence. Coastal scents of sea spray and chalk are layered over candied lemon, almond blossoms, and leesiness that evokes sugar cookies. On the palate there’s great harmony between nervy citrus leanings and fleshy notes of stone fruit. Tense isn’t the right word; everything is too integrated. The balance is terrific and the wine closes with delicate spice, leesy richness and refreshing stony minerality.