2022 Ojai - Pinot Noir Sta Rita Hills Kessler-Haak Vineyard (750ml)
The 2022 Ojai Pinot Noir from Sta. Rita Hills’ Kessler-Haak Vineyard (750ml) presents a site-driven expression that reflects Adam Tolmach’s approach to Central Coast wines: earlier picking, a lighter hand with new oak, and wines that retain lift and balance rather than sheer ripeness. Tolmach founded The Ojai Vineyard in 1983 after studying viticulture and enology at UC Davis and co-founding Au Bon Climat, and this bottling carries forward that philosophy of small-batch, vineyard-informed crafting.
Vineyard & Vintage Highlights
- Kessler-Haak Vineyard sits in the northwest corner of the Sta. Rita Hills, planted in 2005 on mixed sandy loam soils just next to Clos Pepe.
- The site’s cool conditions and high acidity lend structure and tension to the wine.
- The 2022 bottling was fermented with a notable portion of whole clusters, then aged for fifteen months in French oak, with a majority of new barrels, an approach chosen to build layered spice and grip while keeping the wine lifted rather than heavy.
Tasting Profile
On the nose, the wine presents nuanced dark fruit alongside exotic spice and dried tobacco. On the palate, it is silky and energetic yet deep, layered, and long, finishing with fine, grippy tannins and a distinct streak of saline minerality. Its structure and complexity demonstrate the tension between fruit, spice, and terroir that the Sta. Rita Hills can deliver in a Pinot Noir of this pedigree.
Food Pairings
Its structure and complexity make it a fitting match for duck breast, mushroom risotto, or other earthy, savory dishes.