2022 Harvest Notes: Racing the Heat at 2,800 Feet

Ojai Mountain's 2022 harvest, shaped by La Niña and a fast summer ripening curve, arrived nearly a month earlier than 2021. Whites and an initial red pick came in August 15, with the remaining reds and Syrah harvested August 27, timed to beat an intense Labor Day heat wave. Rainfall improved to 18.64 inches (78% of normal) after the prior year's record low, though drought conditions still required increased irrigation. Despite lower yields in re-grafted blocks, 2022 marked the estate's largest production since planting in 2018, and welcomed Phil Coturri to the team as viticultural consultant.

2022 by the numbers

A Season Shaped by La Niña

Southern California's 2022 weather was defined by La Niña, which brought cooler, drier conditions and extended the state's drought into a third consecutive year. A late, cool spring delayed early vine growth, but the rapid onset of summer heat accelerated ripening and pushed harvest nearly a month ahead of 2021's timeline. The season culminated in an intense Labor Day heat wave, with temperatures climbing above 100°F. To preserve fruit quality, the team made the strategic call to harvest before the temperature spike, prioritizing balance and optimal ripeness over additional hang time.

Harvest by Variety

The season began early. White grapes were picked August 15 to capture fresh acidity and bright flavor. The red blend was harvested in two phases: an initial pick on August 15 for vibrant fruit tones, and a second on August 27 for deeper structure. Syrah benefited from the additional hang time and was harvested on August 27, allowing for optimal ripeness and richer tannins. This staggered approach let each variety reach peak expression individually rather than picking the vineyard on a single timeline.

Fruit Quality and Yield

The 2022 vintage delivered exceptional fruit quality. While overall yields were slightly lower due to re-grafted blocks coming online, the rest of the vineyard produced a strong crop with large clusters. Berry size varied by variety, but favorable ripening conditions enhanced complexity and deepened color, particularly in red grapes. The result is a vintage that balances richness with freshness, showcasing the unique terroir of our mountain vineyard.

Drought and Vine Resilience

Ojai has historically averaged 23.89 inches of annual rainfall, but recent years have fallen well below that mark. The 2020–2021 water year saw a record low of 6.52 inches, just 27% of normal. The 2021–2022 water year brought some relief at 18.64 inches, 78% of normal, still below average, but a meaningful recovery. To support vine health through the season's dry stretches, the team increased irrigation more than they would have preferred, a necessary adjustment for young vines coming off consecutive drought years. Despite the pressure, the vines remained resilient, producing healthy fruit with concentrated flavors.

A New Chapter in Sustainability

2022 also marked the arrival of Phil Coturri as viticultural consultant, a leading figure in biodynamic and mountain viticulture. His expertise helped refine key sustainability practices, from pruning strategies to cover crop selection and canopy management, improvements the team expects to continue paying off in vine health and fruit expression in future vintages.

The Wines

The 2022 vintage marked a turning point in the estate's varietal identity. The Estate Red dropped Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc in favor of more Mourvèdre and a first addition of Tempranillo, stepping fully into a Rhône-only blend for the first time. Combined, the three 2022 releases total 612 cases.

2022 Estate White — 60% Grenache Blanc, 34% Picpoul, 6% Roussanne · 209 cases Harvested August 15, 2022. 13.8% alcohol. Jasmine, honeysuckle, Asian pear, and cherimoya on the nose; stone fruit, clover honey, orange zest, and grilled pineapple on the palate, finishing with a saline grip. Vinous, 94 points: "incredibly distinctive." Wine Enthusiast, 93 points (Editors' Choice). Decanter, 93 points.

2022 Estate Red — 45% Grenache, 44% Mourvèdre, 5% Syrah, 6% Tempranillo · 268 cases Harvested August 15 and August 27, 2022. 14.1% alcohol. Dark and red fruit with lilac on the nose; boysenberry, pomegranate, blood orange, white pepper, and crushed stone on the palate. Vinous, 94 points: "taut and structured, a baby by all measures, but undoubtedly a bellwether of very exciting things to come." Decanter called it "fresh and approachable" with "well-integrated tannins."

2022 Estate Syrah — 100% Estrella Clone · 135 cases Harvested August 27, 2022. 14.7% alcohol. Black raspberry, violets, fennel pollen, and smoked meat on the nose; dark blueberry, plum, coffee bean, cracked pepper, and exotic spice on the palate. Vinous, 96 points: "fleshy, resonant and loaded with character, a wine that already feels like it has its own voice." Wine Enthusiast, 94 points (Editors' Choice), praising its "reliable cellar life."