I have a 98 Ojai Thompson Syrah. Probably should drink it soon?
I missed this thread when you first posted it Robert. The Maven of Ojai has already spoken and what follow is relatively useless blather, but should you be interested, I’ve literally consumed hundreds of them. I am going to go way out on a limb and say that the syrahs are best young and for some unknown reason don’t really improve or change much with age. IMHO, the Henry Daniel and '98 Thompson EH (I had six of each) never came close to meeting expectations. Keep in mind too that Adam Tolmach is always tinkering-he freely admits to changing his target profile from time to time, much like Wells Guthrie. Buy the Santa Barbara at ~$25 and Melville at ~$35 and see what you think. After you try the Ojais, try some Qupe BNHR and Jaffurs (any of the Jaffurs). You may find those two are a bit more of what you are looking for, but who knows. I have come to the point of buying the Sauv Blanc, the “Red Wine” and “White Wine” and the grenaches. The “White Wine” in particular is an incredible deal year in and year out. I buy about two cases each time I get the e-mailer and it sells out fairly quickly. As Mr. Hill said, his Sauv Blanc is beautiful stuff and should not be missed.
Thanks, Mitch. Very helpful!
I’ve had some terrific Ojai Syrahs and some that tasted like vodka blueberry juice. For a while, I thought this was a style change as the good ones were from the 80s and 90s, but then recently I had a very nice 2005 Bien Nacido Syrah, so I am not so sure anymore.
Given your love of chinon and cigarette ash, Robert, I would definitely sample first, but overall I think Ojai merits real interest.
Anyone ever try their Chardonnays? I think AG gave them some high points.
Robert I am partial Central Coast Syrahs. Probably have 75-100 now.
“IMHO, the Henry Daniel and '98 Thompson EH (I had six of each) never came close to meeting expectations.”
Another WA high scoring flop? I had three and the previous two mirror your experience. I’ll pop the last and hope for the best.
Im late on this thread and many, especially Tom have elaborated on Adams persona and wines.
I too have been following Adan since the early 80s, before and after his departure from Au Bon Climat. No doubt, Adam is his own person and has a quiet and unassuming way about him. His wines seem to follow in character. For years, he sold his wines for a song and a dance until some marketing folks finally talked him in to raising the prices and theyre still reasonable.
Since it was mentioned, Ive had good and more recently, not so good Benjamin Lorenzo from 97. For me, I like the Pinot Noirs best of his portfolio.
For me, the Syrahs of choice from this area are from the aforementioned Jaffurs and Qupe and one that is a standout and not yet mentioned, 2005 Au Bon Climat Syrah/ Viognier blend [90%/10%]. Although a blend, it comes as close to any Cote Rotie from CA Ive had with its spicy, peppery notes, full body and soft mouthfeel. I just had a 96 Jaboulet La Chapelle which showed beautifully and in a blind tasting, Id be hard put to decipher between the two of them.
This thread prompted me to open an Ojai last night with dinner, a '00 Pisoni. Granted, I have never much liked any Pisoni from any producer, but I can drink a decent fruit-forward pinot on occasion when I am in the mood and I opened this one with good intentions. Terrible undrinkable stuff. What was left of the fruit could best be described as plum baby food that had been left opened for a week and it was coupled with elevated shrill acidity. I can only guess that Mr. Tolmach added acid to balance it out when young and that it created a short lived wine. I have never bought into the concept that low acid is no problem because “you can get it in a bag”.