2021 J. Lohr Late Harvest White Riesling
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2022 Sommelier Challenge
This wine is the result of our meticulous selection of only the best botrytis-affected berries. Its deep golden hues, firm acidity, and layers of ripe orange, apricot, white peach, orange marmalade, and honeycomb are reminiscent of the great Trockenbeerenauslese wines of Germany. These flavors are carried on the palate by fresh natural acidity and rich texture through the finish.
— Kristen Barnhisel, winemaker, white wine
Wine Details
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Composition Blend
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100%
White Riesling
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Origin
Arroyo Seco AVA, Monterey County, CA
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Cellaring
Delicious now, but can be properly cellared for up to 10 years.
10 Years -
Food Pairings
Pairs well with blue cheeses, nuts, crème brûlée, apricot tart, or passion fruit desserts.
Available in certain vintages when the “noble rot” botrytis dehydrates and concentrates the Monterey Riesling fruit, creating a natural sweetness for the wine.
Vineyard
In 1998, we began a joint venture planting partnership with our longtime neighbor in the Arroyo Seco appellation, Michael Griva. In 2006, he planted Riesling on a series of small mesas close to the Arroyo Seco River, internally designated as Blocks 9 and 10. The soils in the area are gravelly, sandy loam, with large cobbles deposited by the river over the millenia; this provides a perfect, well-drained medium for the Riesling vines to grow and showcase their Arroyo Seco terroir.
Vintage
The 2021 growing season in the Arroyo Seco was characterized by a very cool spring. The early summer season was the the coolest in a decade, providing gradual ripening conditions for the Riesling grapes, as the cold nights allowed the vines to retain their natural acidity. Conditions in the fall were ideal for the growth of Botrytis or “noble rot” in the vineyard. After several passes to remove any unwanted berries, the best of this Botrytis-laden fruit was hand-picked into bins the morning of December 10th at 31.5° Brix.
