2021 J. Lohr October Night Chardonnay
Be notified of future releases
-
Wine Spectator, April 2023
Displays exotic floral aromas of gardenia, orange, Meyer lemon, apple, and baking spices. Traditional Burgundian techniques, such as malolactic fermentation and weekly stirring of the lees, were used to complement the aromatics, while also adding a creamy palate texture and long finish.
— Kristen Barnhisel, winemaker, white wine
Wine Details
-
Composition Blend
-
100%
Chardonnay
-
-
Origin
Arroyo Seco AVA, Monterey County, CA
-
Cellaring
Best enjoyed now through 2026.
5 Years -
Food Pairings
A perfect pairing with crab cakes, halibut with Meyer lemon and capers, or citrus-herbed chicken.
-
Vinification
Fermentation: Barrel fermented for an average of 23 days
Time in Barrel: Aged in barrel sur lie for 8 months - 24% new oak
The Musqué clone, harvested in a single October night, is the backbone of this aromatic, distinctive Monterey Chardonnay wine.
Vineyard
The source for October Night is our J. Lohr Block 9 plantings in the Arroyo Seco AVA of Monterey County. This vineyard block is near the mouth of the Arroyo Seco River, which provides the vines a slightly more wind-protected environment. Comprised largely of Dijon Clone 809 Chardonnay - also known as the Musqué Clone - these vines produce a very distinctive and attractive floral character. The soil is laden throughout its loamy profile with large stones that resemble potatoes in size and appearance; these stones absorb heat during the day and radiate back their warmth after sunset, enhancing floral character and richness.
Vintage
The 2021 vintage in the Arroyo Seco was the coolest in a decade, with lower than normal temperatures during the spring and summer months. September began with warmer weather to fully ripen the Chardonnay. We employed rainfall-like 24 to 36 hour infrequent irrigation events in the spring; this was followed by a six to eight week “dry-down” between berry set and veraison to help increase aroma intensity and concentration of flavors. Our harvest of Clone 809 Chardonnay (the backbone of October Night) occurred on October 29th.
