{"product_id":"ojai-thompson-syrah-1998-cmw","title":"The Ojai Vineyard, Santa Barbara County, Thompson Vineyard, Syrah 1998","description":"\u003cp\u003e1.5cm or better; one slightly faded label\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eAdam Tolmach, The Ojai Winemaker\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThree 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConsistency 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e92 Points\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDrinking 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. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e8\/27\/2020\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e","brand":"CHAPTER 4 | FINE + RARE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52100012310808,"sku":"CMW-26012461-5099","price":65.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0695\/5302\/9400\/files\/ojai_thompson_syrah_1998_a.jpg?v=1779600073","url":"https:\/\/chapfour.com\/zh\/products\/ojai-thompson-syrah-1998-cmw","provider":"CHAPTER 4 | FINE + RARE","version":"1.0","type":"link"}