Adam Tolmach of Ojai Vineyard is one of the pioneers of the Santa Barbara County wine scene. He founded Au Bon Climat with Jim Clendenen, then moved on to start Ojai in 1983. To this day, he has never grown past the 6000 cases he makes each year in three makeshift, temperature-controlled barns in the backwoods of Ojai. By choosing to work strictly with cool climate vineyards and paying growers by the acre, Adam ensures himself control of the farming and the yields. He makes elegant, aristocratic wines and has been at the forefront of the growing movement of American winemakers to make more balanced wines, prizing finesse over power. Ojai Vineyard is one of California's best kept secrets, though one Corkscrew customers have known for many years!

Rancho Ontiveros is a cool, windswept site in the Santa Maria Valley at an elevation of over 700 feet. The Chardonnay vines are the Wente clone, planted on Garey soils (a deep and sandy loam). The grapes were fermented in mostly neutral oak barrels (with a small amount of new wood), then transferred to stainless steel tanks to age on the lees. The result is a vibrant Chardonnay with aromas and flavors of nectarine, dried apples, wet stones and raw nuts. The palate has a wonderful broad texture and mouthfeel with a taught mineral core complemented by crackling acidity that flow into a persistent finish accented by mint and white pepper notes. Enjoy with seared trout or grilled pheasant.