J. Lohr 2019 Chardonnay, Riverstone, Arroyo Seco

The vines for J. Lohr Estates Riverstone Chardonnay are grown primarily on Elder loam soils underlain by “riverstones,” deposited over thousands of years by the Arroyo Seco River. These stones limit soil depth from one to four feet, although roots are found at greater depths. This unique combination of sandy loam and cobblestone soils keeps the vines’ growth and fruit in balance, while the cool climate and winds of the Salinas Valley extend the growing season - retaining the natural grape acids and intense varietal character of Chardonnay.

Riverstone Chardonnay is comprised of nine Chardonnay clones (4, 5, 17, 76, 95, 96, 548, 809, and Hyde-Wente), each contributing to the complexity of flavors, textures, and acidities found in the final blend. This wine has earned the “Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing” seal from the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance.

Barrel-fermented and aged 7 to 9 months in new to neutral American, Hungarian, and French oak barrels. Barrels were stirred weekly.

Wine Enthusiast Magazine designated this wine a Best Buy and scored it 90 points saying "Opulent aromas of ripe pear, gardenia, apple and coconut show on the nose of this bottling. It’s racy with acidity on the sip, where a tart lemon flavor leads into apple blossom, poached pear and pineapple, with a slight butter tone on the finish."