"Award of Excellence" from Tasting Panel Magazine March/April 2023
94 Points Tasting Panel
The 35th vintage of this beloved wine showcases how cool-climate Monterey-specifically Arroyo Seco-Packs charm, elegance, texture, and balance into Chardonnay. Of course, the talented hands of winemaker Kristen Barnhisel had an impact, as malolactic fermentation and sur lie aging have added to the wine's innate richness. Striking sense of lemon meringue, creamed corn, and yellow flowers emerge effortlessly. Acidity waves its wand on the palate, lending crystal-clear focus and casting a textural spell with mouthwatering notes of summer peach, lime, and kiwi. The finish of candied yam and mandarin orange peel is exotic.
Winemaker Notes
The J. Lohr Riverstone Arroyo Seco Monterey Chardonnay exhibits youthful hues of light straw. The enticing aromas are reminiscent of ripe orange, peach, cocoa, and baking spices. The rich texture and balance on the palate from barrel aging sur lie offers flavors of ripe pear, apricot, citrus cream, hazelnut, and a hint of oak on the long finish.
