Description
The vines for the 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. This unique combination of sandy loam and cobblestones keeps the vines’ growth and fruit in balance, while the cool climate and winds off nearby Monterey Bay extend the growing season - retaining the natural grape acids and intense varietal character of Chardonnay. The 2022 growing season in the Arroyo Seco was characterized by a typically cool spring. During the summer, foggy mornings and evenings, with daytime highs in the 80s provided optimum temperatures for ripening Chardonnay. The 2022 harvest began on September 12th and finished on October 18th. The Riverstone Chardonnay is comprised of ten different Chardonnay clones - 4, 5, 17, 76, 95, 96, 548, 809, Hyde-Wente, and Mt Eden - each adding to the layered complexity of flavors and textures in the final blend. “The 2022 Riverstone exhibits enticing aromas of ripe citrus, white nectarine, and baking spices. The rich texture and balanced acidity on the palate from barrel aging sur lie offers flavors of ripe Meyer lemon, citrus cream, hazelnut, cocoa, and a hint of oak on the long finish.” —Kristen Barnhisel, winemaker, white wine
J Lohr was founded in 1973 by the eponymous Jerry, who originally looked at the cool and windblown Monterrey coast. Fairly quickly building a successful business with the lovely terroir there in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, he expanded to Paso in a search for a place to grow truly great Cabernet. And, with no doubt - he found it. Founding the Hilltop Vineyard pretty quickly, they expanded rapidly off the back of the quality of Paso Robles fruit and the exceptional quality of the wines they were producing. Nowadays this is one of USA's favourite wineries - not requiring pretence or shouting to show how damn good it is. This is a Cellar's favourite across the board, with the Seven Oaks and the Riverstone proving firm favourites amongst our customers.