Restrained and mineral — wild strawberry, red cherry, cracked pepper, and crushed stone on a silky palate. Wine Enthusiast called it “elegantly mineral-driven” from a “destined-to-be-legendary” estate. 95 Points Cellar Selection. Drink now–2035.
77% Mourvèdre, 12% Grenache Blanc, 6% Picpoul, 5% Roussanne
Alcohol: 13.6% | pH: 3.64 | TA: 6.0 | Malic Acid: <0.05
WINE CHARACTERISTICS
WINEMAKER'S NOTE
The 2023 Mourvèdre is the estate's most surprising wine — lighter in posture than the variety typically delivers, with a suppleness and aromatic lift that sets it apart from earthier expressions of the grape. Wild strawberry, red cherry, pomegranate, and violets on the nose; the palate is silky and brisk, with raspberry, cracked pepper, red licorice, and a finish of crushed stone and purple flowers. Wine Enthusiast awarded 95 Points Cellar Selection, calling it “elegantly mineral-driven.” Vinous awarded 93 Points, describing it as living “somewhere between the Rhône and Beaujolais.” Wine Advocate awarded 92 Points. A restrained, high-altitude expression with focused intensity. Drink now–2035.
Wine Enthusiast
Top 100 Cellar Selection
This destined-to-be-legendary mountaintop estate is starting to show its potential in this elegantly mineral-driven bottling. Strawberry, stone, and herb aromas lead from the nose into a snappy palate of brisk raspberry and pepper that’s wrapped in a chalky texture. Drink now–2040.”
Matt Kettmann
Vinous
The 2023 Mourvèdre is a distinctively peppery, earthy wine that feels like it lives somewhere between the Rhône and Beaujolais—crunchy and carbonic in its juicy red fruit profile but loaded with meaty, gamey inflections, a deep well of minerality and an attractive red-licorice undertone. There’s an enticing suppleness here as the 2023 delivers all its complexity with nuance and focus. Another wine from Ojai Mountain with an undeniable stamp of terroir.”
Billy Norris
Wine Advocate
Blended with 12% Grenache Blanc, 6% Picpoul and 5% Roussanne, the 2023 Mourvèdre is among the most solid expressions from the Ojai Mountain project thus far. It showcases the variety's characteristic loamy, earthy bouquet, complemented by a subtly gourmand core of black licorice. The palate is plush and concentrated before springing into a savory, mineral-driven finish padded with soft, lush dark fruit flavors.”
Matthew Luczy
Production
94 cases 100% estate
Vinification
5-day cold soak, open-top fermentation
Aging Process
Aged for 18 months in 100% neutral French oak barriques.
Key Dates
Harvested: October 10, 2023 Bottled: April 30, 2025 Released: August 2025
Winemaker
Erich BradleyWinemaking Philosophy
We farm biodynamically at high elevation and intervene minimally in the cellar. The goal isn't to make wine—it's to let the vineyard speak for itself.
Learn About Winemaking ApproachKey Principles
Winemaking Process
Our process emphasizes native yeast fermentation, minimal additives, and selective use of neutral French oak. We monitor closely but intervene sparingly, allowing vintage character and site expression to shine through. The result is transparent, food-friendly wines with natural acidity and layered complexity.
PAIRING
Saffron bouillabaisse with fennel and garlic; grilled octopus with olive oil and smoked paprika; tomato-braised shellfish with herbs and crusty bread.
The wine’s bright acidity cuts through saffron-infused broth and garlic richness, while floral and herbal notes echo Provençal aromatics without overwhelming delicate seafood.
Try Our Suggested Recipe
This wine was made for Mediterranean depth. Try it with our saffron bouillabaisse—fennel, tomato, and sea-kissed broth meet Mourvèdre’s lift and silky structure in seamless balance.
Get The Recipe
Ojai Mountain rises at 3,000 feet, just 10 miles from the Pacific Ocean. The valley's rare east-west orientation opens a direct corridor for marine air, allowing coastal winds to moderate heat and slow ripening. Ancient Monterey shale—fractured rock from a prehistoric seabed—drains quickly and forces shallow rooting, naturally limiting vigor and berry size. Farmed organically, the site produces wines of tension and clarity rather than broad ripeness. Elevation, wind, and ocean influence create a cool-climate profile uncommon this far south in California, yielding concentrated flavors with firm structure and lift.
2023 was Ventura County's fifth-wettest year in more than a century. Cold, foggy spring conditions delayed flowering and reduced yields. No white wine was produced, but Mourvèdre thrived once warmer weather returned in July. Naturally late-ripening clusters hung through October, concentrating as the canopy thinned. The fruit arrived small and intense. The wines are cool-toned and bright, shaped more by structure than ripeness.
Smaller berries with thicker skins produce intense, focused fruit character.
Dramatic day-night temperature swings preserve freshness and balance.
Steep slopes and varied terrain create distinct microclimates in every block.
Poor soils and rocky shale force vines deep, extracting pure terroir expression.
Three of our most distinctive reds: Syrah, Mourvèdre, and our GSM-style blend. A beautiful snapshot of the mountain.
$90.00
Inky, muscular, and deeply expressive — dark blueberry, coffee, cracked pepper, and violets with firm, building tannins. Vinous awarded 96 Points, calling it “a wine that already feels like it has its own voice.” Wine Enthusiast 94 Points Editors' Choice. Drink now–2040.
$60.00
A GSM blend with Tempranillo — our most taut and savory Estate Red to date. Boysenberry, pomegranate, white pepper, and crushed stone on a broad, structured palate. Vinous 94 Points. Structured and drinking well now, with years ahead.
$70.00
Dark fruit, clove, allspice, and mocha — held in check by bright mountain acidity and a finish of smoky sea salt. Vinous, Decanter, and Wine Enthusiast each awarded 93 Points. Open tonight or cellar for 8–10 years.
