Estate Wines

Ojai Ridge wines are made exclusively from grapes from our estate Dufau Vineyards. We work closely with our winemaker consultant, Norm Yost, to handcraft wines of distinction. Norm has worked at some of the great wineries throughout the world, and since 1998 has focused on handcrafting small lots of superb wines from California’s Central Coast. Norm produces wines under his Flying Goat Cellars label as well as consulting for the Ojai Ridge estate wines. The wines are made at a custom crush facility in the Lompoc “Wine Ghetto”, well known for the quality of wines produced there.

We grow and produce both Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Notes on both our current releases and library wines can be found below. We hope you enjoy them as much as we have enjoyed making them. Cheers!

Current Wines

2005 Cabernet Sauvignon
The nose has initial aromas of black olives and dried spices and as this wine opens it begins to really show some interesting complexity. Other aromas which emerge with time include cherry spice, earthiness and roasted coffee. The palate reminds me more of a French Bordeaux wine rather than a California Cabernet. A very elegant and refined wine at such a young age, showing hints of spicy currant, supple red plum and anise. This is a cool climate Cabernet and has a great mid palate that seems to linger on the tongue with beautiful chocolate flavors mingled with mint. The tannins in the finish are firm but not overpowering, almost dusty in flavor with a hint of leather. Drink now or cellar for 3-5 years.

$18 per bottle

2005 Syrah
The aroma has hints of red fruits such as dried cranberries and strawberries as well as peppery and spicy notes. The palate is well balanced with clean fruit flavors without the overpowering tannins that coat your palate. Initial flavors of lush jamy fruit such as black cherries, plums and other berry fruits. The fruit is well integrated with oak which gives the wine good structure with nice hints of smoke and mocha flavors. In the finish the wine shows good complexity with hints of spice and leather. Drink now or cellar for 2-4 years.

$18 per bottle

2004 Cabernet Sauvignon
One of the world’s most noble grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon must be grown in the right place in order to produce a wine of character and intense flavor. The high elevation of our vineyard, combined with the warmer temperatures of eastern Ventura County provide such a place. The 2004 Cab is a dark, dense wine with glints of dark garnet jewel tones glinting in the glass. Aromatic notes of black currant and plum lead to dried cherry flavors and continued remembrances of dark plum on the palate. Hints of tobacco and smoky cedar are surrounded by robust tannins, and lead to a lingering and pleasant finish. For maximum enjoyment, the 2004 Cab should be decanted for aeration and served with a hearty meal. The 2004 Cab is enjoyable now, but will continue to improve with 5-7 years of cellaring.

$28 per bottle

2004 Syrah
2004 was a vintage with a lot of heat early in September, and provided a near perfect climate for our Syrah. The grapes achieved the ultimate ripening, and resulted in a wine of robust and rich character. A deep purple color, with violet edges first beckons you to the glass. The bouquet is of cassis and cola with hints of raspberry jam. On the palate, notes of black cherry are joined by spicy characteristics of anise, sandalwood and clove. Nicely balanced, with a velvety texture and an earthiness on the finish, the 2004 Syrah is a wine that is enjoyable upon release.

Silver Medal at the 31st Annual Orange County Fair Commercial Wine Competition. This competition is the largest and most comprehensive judging of California wines in the world, with over 3,150 wines being judged this year by 93 professional wine makers and/or winery principals.

$38 per bottle

Library Wines

2003 Syrah
Our first Syrah released from Ojai Ridge, the 2003 estate Syrah is a rich, expressive wine. A dark maroon wine with amethyst highlights, there are some floral notes of violet on the nose, along with dark berry aromas. A swirl unleashes a hint of leather which is confirmed on the palate along with dark plum, cigar box and dried cherry. The 2003 Syrah is bold and juicy, with lively balance. Bittersweet baker’s chocolate-like tannins are present on the plush and persistent finish.

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