Our J. Lohr Arroyo Vista Chardonnay is grown in the
gravelly soil and windswept landscape of Monterey County’s
Arroyo Seco appellation. The Dijon clone 76 Chardonnay
thrives in our sustainably farmed vineyards, producing
exceptional fruit for this wine, our “ode to Burgundy.” The
Chardonnay is harvested at night and gently pressed to
preserve the delicate aromas of pear, white peach, and apple.
Barrel fermentation and aging of the wine on the lees creates
rich texture and a long, integrated oak finish.
WINEMAKER’S NOTES 2022
Arroyo Vista, our flagship Vineyard Series white wine, is a select blend
of several of our favorite Chardonnay clones. While the basis of the
blend is still clone 76, with its ripe pear and apple flavors, the wine
displays additional depth thanks to new clones from a replanted Block
5 - the original Arroyo Vista block. 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.
The rich palate texture is derived from the use of
classic Burgundian techniques, such as primary and
malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels and weekly stirring
of the lees during aging.
•WINEMAKER KRISTEN BARNHISEL
In the cellar, after initial barrel fermentation, seventy-five percent
of the wine was put through a secondary malolactic fermentation.
This builds in desired texture and mouthfeel while still maintaining
Monterey’s trademark fresh fruit and acidity. The result is one of
California’s defining cool-climate Chardonnays, equal parts rich
tropical fruit character, just the right amount of barrel-fermented
mouthfeel, and ideal food-pairing acidity.
| Alcohol: | 14.5% |
| Volume: | 75cl |
