2022 J. Lohr Arroyo Vista Chardonnay
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James Suckling, Jan./Feb. 2024
Exhibits intriguing aromas of paperwhites, Meyer lemon, apple, pear, and crème brûlée. The rich texture is a result of classic Burgundian techniques: primary and malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels and weekly stirring of the lees during aging. Flavors of pear, lemon-cream, chalky minerality, and baking spices lead to a long, sweet oak finish.
— Kristen Barnhisel, winemaker, white wine
Wine Details
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Composition Blend
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100%
Chardonnay
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Origin
Arroyo Seco, Monterey County, CA
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Cellaring
Delicious now; can be properly cellared up to 5 years.
5 Years -
Food Pairings
Triple crème brie cheese, mussels in lemon wine sauce, chicken with dijon mustard sauce, lobster or crab with lemon butter.
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Maturation
Time in Barrel Aged in barrel sur lie for 14 months in 45% new oak barrels
Barrel Type French oak
Coopers Dargaud et Jaegle, Louis Latour, François Frères, Marcel Cadet, Nadalié, Doreau, Vernou, and Vicard
From J. Lohr’s pioneering vineyards in Monterey’s Arroyo Seco; textbook Monterey Chardonnay wine with tropical fruit and bright acidity, amazingly food-versatile.
Vineyards
Our J. Lohr Arroyo Vista Chardonnay is grown in the heart of the windswept and cool Arroyo Seco AVA in Monterey County. Loamy sand and gravelly loam soils of the Elder series are intermixed and underlain by “Greenfield potatoes” - stones that resemble potatoes in size and appearance and which absorb heat during the day and radiate it after sunset. This underlayment of stone effectively limits root growth to the top three to five feet of soil, harmoniously balancing the fruit and shoot growth of this richly-flavored Chardonnay.
Vintage
The 2022 growing season in Monterey’s Arroyo Seco was classic, perfect for ripening Chardonnay. The cool weather during the spring provided for slow, even ripening of the grapes. The warmth in early September, ideal for flavor development, was tempered by the afternoon winds off nearby Monterey Bay - extending the time on the vine for more texture and mouthfeel. Most of the final Arroyo Vista blend is clone 76, with its ripe pear and apple flavors. Clone 96 brings nectarine flavors and texture to the wine. Clone 548 offers lovely white and yellow floral aromas and Meyer lemon flavors, while clones 5 and 17 add layers of stone fruit and minerality. This array of clones and flavors combine for a truly unique and complex Chardonnay.
