Wines Arroyo Seco J. Lohr - Riverstone - 2022

Viniou Reviews

J. Lohr’s 2022 Riverstone Chardonnay from Arroyo Seco is a white wine that truly embodies the spirit of Californian winemaking. This cuvée is crafted primarily from Chardonnay grapes sourced from the well-drained gravelly soils of the Arroyo Seco AVA, a subregion in Monterey County renowned for its ability to impart distinctive minerality and freshness to white wines. The 2022 vintage benefited from a long, cool growing season, resulting in grapes with vibrant acidity and expressive flavors. Winemaking at J. Lohr typically features partial barrel fermentation with frequent bâtonnage, which enriches the wine's texture and depth while preserving its crisp fruit character.

Arroyo Seco itself is a region with a storied viticultural history, closely tied to the early development of Californian Chardonnay. The climate here is shaped by cooling maritime influences from Monterey Bay, funneling inland and ensuring slow, even ripening. The soils, primarily alluvial with river stones from ancient waterways, encourage deep root development and impart a signature stony minerality. This combination of cool temperatures and unique geology allows Arroyo Seco to produce white wines with bright acidity and complex aromatics—attributes highly prized in quality Chardonnay.

For food pairing, this Riverstone Chardonnay excels with a range of seafood dishes such as grilled swordfish, seared scallops, or Dungeness crab with lemon butter, as its lively acidity and creamy undertones complement both the richness and delicacy of these plates. Poultry in light cream sauces, roasted chicken with spring vegetables, or a classic Californian cobb salad are also excellent accompaniments. If you’d like to honor the wine’s roots, try it with Monterey Bay calamari or artichoke dishes.

For the optimal tasting experience, serve the J. Lohr Riverstone Chardonnay at a temperature of 8-10°C. This ensures the wine’s expressive citrus, stone fruit, and subtle oak notes are at their best, while retaining the freshness and vibrancy that define this distinguished Arroyo Seco classic.