2005 Ojai Vineyard "Clos Pepe Vineyard" Santa Rita Hills Chardonnay

93 points Robert Parker: "Another brilliant effort is the 2005 Chardonnay Clos Pepe. Hazelnut, orange rind, lemon zest, and brioche characteristics are found in this crisp, elegant Chardonnay that could pass for a full-bodied French Chablis. With fine acidity, fruit, and concentration, it will drink well for 3-4 years." (08/07) 93 points Wine Enthusiast: "A spectacular Chard, massive and pure in laser-focused Meyer lemon, Key lime pie, papaya, pepper and smoky vanilla flavors, with the most bracing minerality, a real lick of gunmetal. Brilliant now, and the firm structure should let it age smoothly for a good six years." (05/08) 90 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Green-tinted yellow. Leesy nectarine and orange pith scents are reined in by talc-y minerality and fresh herbs. Firm and focused, offering juicy citrus flavors and good spicy cut. Fleshy but restrained on the long, spicy finish. This has excellent cling." (Nov/Dec '07) 90 points Allen Meadows' Burghound: "(From Sta Rita Hills fruit and bottled at 14%). It's relatively rare to taste any CA chardonnay that rises above the banal but this is one that deserves your attention as it's not over oaked, it's not obviously acidified, it's not excessively alcoholic and there is sufficient balance and flavor delineation that it will work well with many, if not all foods, plus it's delicious and culminates in a harmonious, sappy and tangy finish." (10/07)