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The J Lohr Riverstone Arroyo Seco Chardonnay 2023 is a wine that I found for $12.99, and with a quick check of the internet and wine shops, it is the going rate. This is an estate wine from J Lohr a family owned and operated winery and vineyards located in the Monterey AVA since 1974.
The Story
The Arroyo Seco AVA (translates to dry riverbed) is a valley that runs north to southeast with Monterey Bay on the north end. The AVA is in an arid zone with little yearly rain, which causes the grapes to struggle. The Riverstone in the name comes from the river rocks that are embedded deep in the soil of the vineyards. The rocks absorb the heat of the sun and protect the vines during cols snaps. The stones can also provide minerality to the wine.
The J Lohr Riverstone Arroyo Seco Chardonnay 2023 is certified sustainably farmed and is 100% Chardonnay. This wine was barrel-fermented, with 62% of the juice undergoing malolactic fermentation. Malolactic fermentation is the process where the natural tart acid in the grapes is transformed into more rounded acidity. This is extremely common in Red wine, but Chardonnay is one of the few White wines.
Now, here is the part that I love about family-owned wineries rather than wine brands. They proudly give you details of the wine production. The various lots of Chardonnay were aged in French, American, or Hungarian oak barrels for 7 to 9 months, with the barrels varying from new to 5th fill barrels.
In Chardonnay, the clone variety is important, and the Riverstone used is #4, 5, 17, 76, 95, 96, 809, and Hyde-Wente. Using a variety of Chardonnay clones provides different flavors and textures while still using the Chardonnay grape. The alcohol content is 14%,
The J Lohr Riverstone Arroyo Seco Chardonnay 2023 Tasting Notes
The color is a pale sunshine yellow. The nose is lemon, apple, a hint of butter, soft spice, light butterscotch, coconut, and pear, a pretty aroma. The J Lohr Riverstone Arroyo Seco Chardonnay 2023 is a slightly complex Chardonnay, a stew of fruit, citrus, and soft spice.
The Chardonnay tastes like lemon curd, butter cookies (not sweet), peach, pear, and apple. The mid-palate adds a creamy texture, nectarine, vanilla, coconut milk, and interesting spice.
The acidity is well-managed and allows the flavors to fully unfold and linger a while.
The Summary
- The J Lohr Riverstone Arroyo Seco Chardonnay 2023 is a delicious, well-made, interesting, value-priced Chardonnay.
- The grapes are well-farmed, and the wine has a detailed and specific production.
- This is a Chardonnay well worth trying.
