“I’m a firm believer that success can only be achieved if you take care of your resources — the earth, people and your community” - Jerry Lohr
2021 Riverstone Chardonnay, Arroyo Seco
100% Chardonnay
pH: 3.5 | TA: 6.6 g/L | ABV: 14%
California Certified Sustainable
Élevage: Barrel-fermented, with lees stirring for 7-9 months. Primary fermentation in barrel, in a combination of Hungarian, French & American oak (New-5th fill), with a 62% of the wine going through malolactic fermentation in barrel.
The vines for our J. Lohr Estates Riverstone Chardonnay are primarily Elder loam soils underlain by “riverstones” deposited over thousands of years by the Arroyo Seco River. The unique combination of sandy loam and cobblestone-laden soils keep the vines’ canopy growth and fruit in balance while the cooling winds off nearby Monterey Bay extend the growing season.
Enticing aromas of ripe orange, white peach, nectarine, cocoa, and baking spices. The rich texture and balance on the palate from barrel aging sur lie offers flavors of ripe Meyer lemon, citrus cream, hazelnut, and a hint of oak on the long finish.
The Winery
Founded five decades ago by Jerry Lohr and still family-owned and operated today, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines has established itself as one of the industry’s most respected wine brands. Jerry Lohr’s remarkable career continues in close, hands-on partnership with his children and co-owners Steve, Cynthia, and Lawrence.
J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines includes more than 1,400 acres of cool-climate estate vineyards in the Arroyo Seco and Santa Lucia Highlands regions of Monterey County, with an emphasis on Chardonnay, Riesling, Valdiguié, and Pinot Noir.
J. Lohr also farms over 2,700 acres of vineyards in Paso Robles, now recognized as one of the world’s best spots for Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux and Rhone varietals.
A leader in sustainable winegrowing, they have been certified by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance for over 14 years; receiving the Green Medal Leader Award in 2020 in recognition of their leadership. With solar powered production, water conservation and a continued dedication to sustainability to ensure the long-term health of their vineyards and environment, the Lohr family are crafting wines that are not only delicious but also a testament to their commitment to a healthy planet for future generations.
The Vineyards
The Arroyo Seco AVA, nestled within Monterey County, California, has one of California’s longest growing seasons. Situated within the Salinas Valley, the region benefits from the influence of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Lucia Mountains, creating ideal conditions for cultivating cool-climate grapes like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Brisk winds and fog from nearby Monterey Bay lower daytime temperatures; these conditions, in concert with a lack of damaging fall rains, allow for slow, gentle ripening. The well-drained sandy loam soils, strewn with alluvial stones, complete the picture, producing grapes with trademark fruit intensity and balancing acidity.
Today, J. Lohr owns and farms more than 2,800 net vine count acres throughout five of the region’s eleven sub-appellation districts: Paso Robles Estrella, San Miguel, El Pomar, Creston, and Adelaida. Paso Robles, with the region’s warm days, dramatic diurnal temperature swings, and diverse array of well-drained soils, offer optimal conditions. Since 1986, J. Lohr has led the way in Paso Robles with conscientious, sustainable farming practices that have elevated the region’s reputation for superb Cabernet Sauvignon while The classic Rhône varieties have also found a home in J. Lohr’s Paso Robles vineyards – largely in the Adelaida District sub-AVA, with its higher winter rainfall totals and lime-laden soils.