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.
J. Lohr 2003 Carol’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
- $45
Young and tannic now, but impresses for balance and power, suggesting cellaring. With its firm structure and deep core of cassis, blackberries, plums and anise, this wine should develop well over the next six to eight years.
— S.H.
(11/1/2007)
J. Lohr 1999 Cuvée Pom Red Wine (Paso Robles)
- $50
This is the Pomerol-inspired member of the Cuvée series trio, with lush coffee and black cherry flavors surrounding a core of bright acidity. Finishes long, with a mouthwatering quality all of our tasters admired.
— W.E.
(12/1/2003)
J. Lohr 2002 Arroyo Vista Vineyard Chardonnay (Arroyo Seco)
- $25
Long in candied lime, papaya and buttered toast flavors, this lovely sipper is also crisp in acids. All the fruit drinks clean and minerally pure, like mountain water.
— S.H.
(5/1/2005)
J. Lohr 2003 Riverstone Chardonnay (Arroyo Seco)
- Best Buy
- $14
One of the best Chards in this price category, this Monterey example is rich in tropical fruit, peach and spice flavors, and crisp in acidity. It has smoky oak, buttercream, a bit of lees—in other words, the works.
— S.H.
(11/15/2005)
J. Lohr 2006 Cuvee Pom Red (Paso Robles)
- $50
Dense and tannic, with a lockdown astringency, but very finely structured and with great heart. Shows rich, complex blackberry, cherry and currant flavors. Finishes dry and refined, but will gain with time. Drink this Merlot-based Bordeaux blend now–2014.
— S.H.
(10/1/2009)
J. Lohr 2009 Carol’s Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc (Napa Valley)
- $24
Nice and dry, with a crisp cut of acidity that gets those tastebuds whistling. If you like gooseberries, it’s for you, although there are far richer tropical fruit flavors in this lovely wine. The vineyard is in St. Helena.
— S.H.
(11/1/2010)
J. Lohr 2008 Arroyo Vista Chardonnay (Arroyo Seco)
- Online Exclusive
- $25
Lots of acidity and dryness in this Chardonnay. It will strike some as austere and lean. But it’s fascinating in its citrus fruits and minerals, which seem to come from the stones of the Arroyo Seco. Oak influence adds much-needed notes of buttered toast. Gets better and better as it warms in the glass.
— S.H.
(4/1/2011)
J. Lohr 2009 Falcon's Perch Pinot Noir (Monterey County)
- Online Exclusive
- $17
A delicious Pinot Noir to drink now with upscale fare. It’s very fruity, offering a burst of raspberries and cherries, together with a coat of sweet, smoky oak. But crisp acidity and smooth, silky tannins provide a balanced structure.
— S.H.
(3/1/2011)
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