Liquor & Wine

Item Description

VINTAGE
2013 in the Arroyo Seco was just about the perfect vintage. With warm dry weather from April to October, 2013 was the second warmest vintage in the last 12 years, and a welcome break from three straight cool years. Although temperatures were warm in 2013, there were no days over 100 degrees, and no rainfall during the ripening period. These ideal weather conditions gave us the opportunity to pick at the quintessential levels of ripeness for each block and clone.

VINEYARDS
The vines for our 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. These stones limit soil depth from one to four feet, although roots can be found at greater depths searching for water in the cobbles. This unique combination of sandy loam and cobblestone soil keeps the vines’ vegetative growth and fruit in balance. Additionally, the cool climate and winds of the Salinas Valley extend the growing season and retain the natural grape acids and intense varietal character of the Chardonnay.

TECHNICAL DATA

WINEMAKER’S COMMENTS
This expressive Riverstone Chardonnay has light golden hues with a tint of youthful green. Aromas of ripe comice pear, melon, meyer lemon and brioche coalesce with notes of roasted hazelnut, flint, spice and toasty oak. Flavors of pom fruits, mineral and sabayon end with a lingering toasty oak finish. Barrel fermentation with sur-lie aging adds layers of creamy palate weight, depth and aromatic complexity. The Arroyo Seco’s cool climate and long growing season help maintain a natural acidity that brings this wine’s rich palate into balance.

—Jeff Meier, winemaker

FOOD PAIRINGS
Tangerine-roasted chicken, frisée salad with lardons and poached egg, smoked salmon, vegetable frittatas, pan roasted pheasant with creamy polenta.

WINE LIST DESCRIPTION
A full-bodied, balanced Chardonnay with flavors of pear, citrus and cream, ending with a lingering toasty oak finish.

Item Special Note

Winner must make arrangements to pick-up J. Lohr Estates Riverstone Chardonnay - 12 bottles from our office in Minnetonka (13100 Wayzata Blvd. Suite 400 Minnetonka, MN 55305). Must be 21+ to claim.