Description
The Arroyo Vista Chardonnay is grown in the heart of the windswept, cool Arroyo Seco AVA in Monterey County. The vineyard features loamy sand and gravelly loam soils of the Elder series, underlain by “Greenfield potatoes” — stones resembling potatoes in size and appearance that absorb heat during the day and release it after sunset. This rocky underlayer naturally limits root growth to the top three to five feet of soil, helping to balance vine growth and concentrate flavour in this richly expressive Chardonnay.
The 2022 growing season in Monterey’s Arroyo Seco was classic and ideal for ripening Chardonnay. Cool spring weather encouraged slow, even ripening, while early September warmth promoted flavour development. This was tempered by afternoon winds from nearby Monterey Bay, extending time on the vine and enhancing texture and mouthfeel.
Most of the final Arroyo Vista blend is clone 76, contributing ripe pear and apple flavours. Clone 96 adds nectarine character and texture, while clone 548 brings delicate white and yellow floral aromas and Meyer lemon notes. Clones 5 and 17 contribute additional layers of stone fruit and minerality. Together, this diverse range of clones creates a truly unique and complex Chardonnay.
J. Lohr was founded in 1973 by its namesake, Jerry Lohr, who initially focused on the cool, wind-swept Monterey coast. After building a successful business producing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from this exceptional terroir, he expanded to Paso Robles in search of a site capable of producing truly great Cabernet Sauvignon — and he found it. With the establishment of the Hilltop Vineyard, the winery grew rapidly, driven by the quality of Paso Robles fruit and the excellence of the wines produced.
Today, J. Lohr is one of America’s most loved wineries, confident in its quality without the need for pretence or fanfare. A firm favourite in our Cellar, wines such as Seven Oaks and Riverstone are consistently popular with our customers.
