Ojai Vineyard Ojai Red Wine (NV), California

“Ojai Red, made since 1992, is a byproduct of racking wine from barrel (separating the clear wine from the cloudy), leaving behind sediment and hazy wine that is recombined to create a serendipitous blend. Depending on the year we might have 1 or 2 bottling with varying proportion of different varietals. What’s significant and often lost when we talk about this wine is that the ingredients used are the same carefully farmed and meticulously fermented grapes that go into our more exclusive bottlings. Throughout the years Ojai Red was reserved for the local market but slowly made its way to outside buyers and tasters who recognized the terrific value and its exciting personality. Because of this attention and demand we are at the point where we have to restrict sales to satisfy our personal customers. It’s a story that’s repeated everywhere in the wine world that the best bargains are to be found in the nondescript bottling of craft producers that really care—whether in Burgundy, Piedmont or California. This latest version is filled with great fruit and perfume, dominated by floral Grenache, structured by Syrah and smoothed by Pinot Noir’s natural silkiness. The wine finishes with a dash of acidity tempered by salty tannins and a dense texture that is an Ojai Vineyard hallmark.” – Winery