J. Lohr

J. Lohr Vineyards was founded in 1971 when South Dakota native Jerry Lohr recognized the growing potential of the Central Coast of California. At that time, there was no viticultural history in the Central Coast region, but Jerry recognized the terroir and extended growing seasons would be conducive to plant his vineyards. He planted his original 280 acres of varietal grapes in 1972 and 1973 in the Arroyo Seco appellation of Monterey County, and later opened the J.Lohr Winery in 1974. Jerry began planting Cabernet Sauvignon and other red grape varieties in San Luis Obispo County’s up-and-coming Paso Robles region in 1986 for his J. Lohr wines. Today, J. Lohr owns more than 900 acres of estate vineyards in Monterey County focusing on Chardonnay, Riesling, Valdiguié and Pinot Noir, 2,000 acres in Paso Robles dedicated to Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah, Petite Sirah and other red varietals, and 33 acres in Napa Valley with plantings of Cabernet and Sauvignon Blanc according to our J. Lohr reviews. Our J. Lohr ratings indicate that in 2010, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines received the esteemed Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Award for American Winery of the Year.

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J. Lohr 2006 Cuvée St. E Red (Paso Robles)

Price $50

Dark, rich and dramatically structured, with ultra-refined black and red currant, cherry, violet, cedar and smoke flavors that are grounded by a firm minerality. It’s a Bordeaux blend based on Cabernet Franc. — S.H. (10/1/2009)

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J. Lohr 2001 Carol’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

Price $40

A classic Napa Cab from this great vintage. Mesmerizes with new oak, blackcurrant and cassis aromas, and the first sip explodes with blackberries, cherries and vanilla. The tannins are fine, soft, ripe and sweet. Completely satisfying all the way. — S.H. (2/1/2005)

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J. Lohr 2000 Arroyo Vista Chardonnay (Arroyo Seco)

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Price $25

Big, big, big, in every respect. Fruit, acids, oak, body, extract, it’s all packed into a huge wine that fills the mouth with citrus, apple and guava flavors wrapped in a rich, custardy texture. Yet the wine is balanced and elegant. Calls for high-end pairing at the table. — S.H. (2/1/2004)

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J. Lohr 2003 Cuvée Pau Red (Paso Robles)

Price $50

This is the winery’s Pauillac-style wine, almost entirely Cab. It’s a very good wine, close to a great one. Shows real varietal character with intense cassis aromas and flavors, accented by plenty of oak. The tannins are similar to a Sonoma mountain Cab, firm, dry and dusty, suggesting ageworthiness. Best now through 2012. — S.H. (11/1/2007)

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J. Lohr 2006 Hilltop Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles)

Price $35

What a gigantic improvement J. Lohr has been making lately in its Cabernets and Bordeaux blends. This latest to come out is a single-vineyeard beauty, rich in tannic structure, with deep, complex flavors of blackberries, cocoa dust, cedar and Indian spices. Appeals now for sheer deliciousness. — S.H. (7/1/2010)

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J. Lohr 2006 Fog's Reach Vineyard Pinot Noir (Arroyo Seco)

Price $35

A lovely, succulent Pinot, whose direct fruity richness makes it immediately enjoyable. Braced with adequate Monterey acids, it has deep flavors of red and black currants, anise, cola and smoky, oaky vanilla. This is an inaugural wine from J. Lohr, and a very promising one. — S.H. (10/1/2008)

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J. Lohr 2009 Carol’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (St. Helena)

Price $40

Good results almost always occur when J. Lohr, most of whose red wines come from Paso Robles, uses Cabernet Sauvignon from this Napa Valley vineyard. The 2009 is the best effort yet: It’s very rich in black currant flavor, yet it is perfectly balanced, with fine acidity and smooth tannins. Drink this lovely wine now and over the next six years. — S.H. (9/1/2012)

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J. Lohr 1997 Hilltop Vyd Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles)

Price $33

Rich aromas of cherry, mint, cedar, and vanilla open this forward and inviting wine. Plum, spice, and sweet chocolate flavors with a dusty earth quality mark the palate. Quite drinkable; the mouthfeel is rich and fairly soft, but with adequate acidity. Finishes attractively. Good now through 2006. — W.E. (11/1/2000)

Most Reviewed Designations

Arroyo Vista Arroyo Vista Vineyard Bay Mist Carol’s Vineyard Cuvée Pau Cuvee Pom Fog’s Reach Hilltop Vineyard Los Osos Riverstone Seven Oaks South Ridge

Most Reviewed Varietals

Bordeaux-style Red Blend Cabernet Blend Cabernet Sauvignon Chardonnay Merlot Petite Sirah Pinot Noir Red Blend Riesling Sauvignon Blanc Syrah Valdeguié

2007 Trump Brut SP Reserve

Rich and luscious scents of baked apple, dried pineapple, honeyed…

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