The Ojai Vineyard, Santa Barbara County, Thompson Vineyard, Syrah 1998
1.5cm or better; one slightly faded label
Adam Tolmach, The Ojai Winemaker
I first worked with Thompson Vineyard grapes in 1994. Though they were good, I did not buy them again the next year because I felt over-extended in my commitments for syrah grapes at the time. Boy, did I ever kick myself for my timidity, because this has turned out to be a terrific vineyard. Located in the moderately cool Los Alamos area (cooler than Roll Ranch, warmer than Bien Nacido), the vineyard lies on a low hill that has soils that are so deinvigorating that they prevent the vines from over-cropping in even the most prolific vintages.
Three years later, and after much pleading, we were again able to buy from the vineyard in 1997. We made this into Syrah "Henry Daniel", a one-time-only label commemorating the birth of my second son. We now offer up this 1998 as a new addition to our vineyard-designated series of syrahs.
Consistency is the hallmark of Thompson Vineyard, and this wine is every bit as compelling as our 1997. While a tad less brazen, it is more complete, and has a darker color and a deep fruity plumminess. It possesses wonderfully textured, mouth-coating tannins, which will ensure it a very long life. This syrah has a smoky, bacon-y aroma that is unique to this vineyard site, and is so enticing when I taste it, I find myself going back again and again for another glassful. I think this wine, which really needs five to ten years of cellaring, turned out great.
92 Points
Drinking fabulously. Was initially reticent, having just been opened straight out of the cellar, but after warming up a bit and taking in a little air, it opened up gloriously. Sweet, smoky hibachi, succulent fruit, well balanced and mature tannins. Terrific juice. Drink now and over the next few years. 8/27/2020
Pickup available at VENICE STUDIO
Usually ready in 24 hours
Mixed Format Shipping
- Only same formats can ship in same container (750ml with 750ml).
- Marie-Jeanne (2.5L), Jeroboam and larger format require manual shipping invoicing - INQUIRE for pre-purchase Quote
- Supplemental shipping charge may apply for mixed format orders after checkout.
- Best Practice: purchase in separate orders
Shipping Services Available
- Ground | ships Monday - Tuesday.
- 2DAY | ships Monday - Wednesday.
- Nextday | ships Monday-Thursday.
- Some Expedited Services are invoiced separately depending on destination.
- UPS pre-paid shipping rate good for 7 days. Pre-paid rates that ship after 7 days from purchase may be subject to supplemental charges and/or storage fees.
Most economical quantity to ship
- 6 standard bottles or 12 standard bottles
➡️ LEARN MORE
- PRE-ARRIVAL offers are products that we source from either our large network of North American private collections or our partnerships with European suppliers or Domaines.
- ESTIMATED TIME of ARRIVAL: Unless otherwise stated in the individual product page our Pre-Arrivals are estimated to land in Los Angeles within 30-50 days or so from upload date. Inquire for specific dates for the item you are interested in.
- BOTTLE CONDITIONS: as these are pre-arrivals our final label and ullage descriptions are not yet included. If you have concerns inquire and we will do our best to get answers.
- PRICES: published prices are commensurate with bottles in good condition for their kind and age. Most will be in "excellent" to "pristine" based on how we select wines to represent in our store.
- Custodial chain for our Pre-Arrival wines are temperature controlled professional logistics carriers, licensed or bonded warehouses.
- Pre-arrival wines not eligible for promotional shipping rates
- Pre-arrival wines not eligible for promotional discounting
- We will contact you when your order is ready to ship. You will also be notified via email when you will need to select a shipping date. Shipping will be FOB Chapter 4 Venice, CA.
- ALL SALES FINAL
- NON-REFUNDABLE
- We reserve the right to cancel and refund in full any pre-arrival order at any time for any reason.
