J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines recently debuted a fresh look for their beloved J. Lohr Estates Riverstone Chardonnay, which has remained one of America’s most popular Chards for four decades. Priced at $14, The 2022 J. Lohr Estates Riverstone Chardonnay’s new blossom-themed label is bright with a flowering quince border, evoking the wine’s cool-climate origins and the stone fruit flavours within. The label proudly showcases that the wine is ‘barrel fermented, barrel aged,’ bearing the Certified California Sustainable seal. The new label and Stelvin screwcap closure align with the demands of today’s on-the-go consumer lifestyle. The wine itself is an ode to the Arroyo Seco region and 50 years of J. Lohr: Back in 1987, Riverstone burst onto the scene, marking the debut of this iconic Chardonnay. Planted by J. Lohr Founder Jerry Lohr himself in the Arroyo Seco region of Monterey in 1972, these vines have been the backbone of Monterey’s Chardonnay style ever since. Think luscious apple, pear, and stone fruit flavours balanced perfectly with a refreshing acidity. Decades later, the wine continues to boast the same famous J. Lohr Riverstone quality that fans have always loved.
The 2023 J. Lohr Estates Flume Crossing Sauvignon Blanc ($14) is ready for solo sipping, per winemaker Kristen Barnhisel. The wine “spotlights aromas of honeysuckle, lime, sweet herbs, and fig. These aromas are complemented on the palate by the bright flavours of grapefruit, kiwi, key lime, and passionfruit, with the rich texture and long finish provided by acacia barrels.”
Flume Crossing Sauvignon Blanc is crafted to be an expression of pure varietal character, influenced only by its terroir and gently guided by minimal, sustainable farming and winemaking practices. The mild weather in the 2023 growing season enhanced the grapefruit, lime, and sweet herb flavours in the grapes and retained the fresh acidity, while the afternoon winds slowed the maturity of the grapes and increased their
texture. Serve as an apéritif with goat cheese or oysters; pairs well with sushi or sashimi, and with pesto or chimichurri sauces.
The 2023 J. Lohr Bay Mist White Riesling ($13) is fresh, cool, and crisp. It is an easy-drinking Riesling that begs for another glass. With aromas of exotic lychee and flavours of ripe apple and pear, this makes it a no-rules, incredibly food-friendly wine. “Fun and casual. Unoaked and just slightly sweet. My goes-with-anything, toes-in-the-sand wine,” expresses winemaker Kristen Barnhisel. Pair it with Asian Fusion cuisine or anything with a lick of spicy heat.
