J Lohr October Night Chardonnay 2022

This structured and 'crystalline' white wine originates from the United States, within the cool-climate Arroyo Seco A.V.A. of Monterey County, California. Produced by J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines a family-owned pioneer in sustainable California viticulture founded in 1974 by Jerry Lohr the 'October Night' Chardonnay represents the summit of the winery's single-vineyard white wine portfolio. Sourced from choice blocks planted predominantly to the highly aromatic Dijon clone 809, the vines are rooted in deep, well-draining, gravelly loam soils rich in granite cobblestones (locally referred to as "Arroyo Seco stones"). The vineyard sits directly in the path of the relentless, cool marine winds and fog that sweep inland daily from Monterey Bay. This extreme maritime exposure causes an extended growing season often lasting into late October allowing the grapes to develop exotic floral and citrus-peel aromatics while maintaining a crisp, mouthwatering natural acidity.

Wine Description

J. Lohr 'October Night' Chardonnay presents a luminous, pale straw-gold color in the glass with vivid chartreuse and greenish-gold reflections along the rim. Its sensory profile is exceptionally fresh, high-toned, and complex, delivering an intensely aromatic and refined expression of Monterey coastal terroir. The bouquet opens with a soaring, highly distinctive display of orange blossom, gardenia, Meyer lemon curd, and ripe white peach, seamlessly layered with complex underlays of roasted hazelnut, toasted brioche, lemon verbena, vanilla bean, and a line of crushed granite minerality. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, supple, and precisely focused, showcasing a succulent core of nectarine, candied citrus peel, and creamy autolytic warmth. It is characterized by its outstanding inner energy and an incisive, mouthwatering backbone of natural acidity that effortlessly lifts its opulent mid-palate extract. The mouthfeel is broad, silky, and weightless, framed by fine oak integration that glides into an extraordinarily long, dry, and savory finish accented by persistent notes of lime zest, flint, and toasted brioche.