The classy, mineral-dominated, leesy 1998 Chardonnay Talley Vineyard possesses abundant honeyed citrus notes, excellent density and richness, subtle oak, and decent underlying acidity. Enjoy it over the next 3-4 years. Tel. (805) 649-1674; Fax (805) 649-4651

I tasted three 1997 Chardonnays on my visit to the winery in September.The 1997 Chardonnay Talley Vineyard exhibits a distinctive crisp, mineral, citrusy nose, and rich, medium-bodied flavors with the citrus/wet stone component well-displayed. There is good acidity, an open-knit texture, and fine structure. It should drink well for 2-3 years.All the wines made at Ojai are naturally made products - no fining or filtration, barrel-fermentation, malolactic in barrel, aggressive lees stirring, virtually no racking until assembling for bottling, and no acid additions.Tel. (805) 649-1674; Fax (805) 649-4651

This wine reveals up-front flavors and a broad-shouldered personality. It displays excellent purity, ripe, citrus, pear, and honey-like flavors, medium to full body, good acidity, and a judicious touch of toasty oak. It should drink well for several years.Over the last several years, there has been considerable evidence that Adam Tolmach's Ojai Vineyard is among the leading candidates for Santa Barbara's top winery. The brilliance of these wines over the last several vintages has been uncontestable. Ojai's new releases include many stunning wines, particularly the Pinot Noir and Syrah offerings. This is not to say the whites are uninteresting.Tel. (805) 649-1674