J. Lohr October Night Chardonnay 2022

J. Lohr October Night Chardonnay 2022 is an elegant, highly aromatic, and beautifully structured Californian white wine produced from the estate's Block 9 plantings within the cool Arroyo Seco appellation. Primarily crafted from the unique Dijon Clone 809—frequently referred to as the Chardonnay Musqué clone—this wine is highly celebrated for its distinctive, exotic floral profile. Following traditional Burgundian winemaking techniques, it undergoes primary and full malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels followed by eight months of weekly lees stirring (sur lie), which develops a remarkably luxurious texture. In the glass, it reveals a luminous straw-yellow hue with an enticing bouquet of fresh gardenia, jasmine, Meyer lemon, ripe green apple, and baking spices. The palate is medium-to-full-bodied and wonderfully cohesive, delivering plump, juicy layers of grilled pineapple, white peach, and poached pear seamlessly balanced by a vibrant thread of mineral acidity and a subtle hint of buttered toast. It culminates in a long, sophisticated, and cream-textured finish that showcases exceptional depth and focus.

Food Pairing: This highly aromatic and texturally rich Chardonnay pairs beautifully with Dungeness crab cakes, pan-seared halibut with Meyer lemon capers, or citrus-herbed roasted chicken.

91 Points - James Suckling

91 Points - Wine Spectator