2023 J. Lohr
Chardonnay
October Night
Exotic floral aromas of gardenia, Meyer lemon, ripe apple, and baking spices. Traditional Burgundian winemaking techniques, such as malolactic fermentation and weekly stirring of the lees in French oak barrels, were used to complement these aromatics, providing a balanced, creamy palate texture. Complex flavors of white nectarine, ripe orange, and lemon cream, with a hint of vanilla and toasted oak on the long finish.
Wine Details
Cellaring
5 years
Best enjoyed now through 2028.
The Musqué clone, harvested in a single October night, is the backbone of this aromatic, distinctive Monterey Chardonnay wine.
-
Origin
Arroyo Seco AVA, Monterey County, CA
-
Food Pairings
This wine can be enjoyed as an aperitif; it is also a perfect pairing to crab cakes, halibut with Meyer lemon and capers, citrus-herbed chicken, or seared scallops.
-
Fermentation
In barrel for an average of 13 days
-
Time in Barrel
Aged in barrel sur lie for 8 months - 22% new oak
Composition Blend
-
100%
Chardonnay
Vineyard
J. Lohr’s Block 9 plantings in the Arroyo Seco AVA of Monterey County, near the mouth of the Arroyo Seco River, enjoy a slightly more wind-protected environment for our October Night release. Comprised largely of Dijon Clone 809 Chardonnay - known in some circles as the Musqué Clone - these vines produce a very distinctive and attractive floral character. The soil is laden throughout its loamy profile with large stones that absorb heat during the day and radiate their heat after sunset, enhancing the desired floral character and richness. Each year, we work to fine-tune irrigation decisions during the growing season. Moving to more “rainfall-like” 24-to-36 hour infrequent irrigation events in the spring followed by a lengthy “dry-down” between berry set and veraison has helped increase aroma intensity and concentration of flavors.
Vintage
The 2023 vintage in the Arroyo Seco was the coolest in a decade, with cold temperatures during the spring and summer months and the latest harvest in recent years. Fortunately, September began with some warmer weather to fully ripen the Chardonnay; our typical early fall winds extended the growing season. Harvest of Clone 809 Chardonnay occurred on October 30, 2023.
You May Also Enjoy
Find us in Stores & Restaurants Near You
For almost fifty years, the Lohr family has been growing and crafting some of California's best-loved wines. We're proud to share our latest releases from our certified sustainable vineyards in Monterey, Paso Robles, and Napa Valley with you.
VIP Status: J. Lohr Club Membership
J. Lohr Wine Club Members are our True VIPs. Membership offers you priority access to reservations and winery-exclusive offerings.