J. Lohr Riverstone Chardonnay (37.5cl, 14%)

J. Lohr Riverstone Chardonnay is a barrel-fermented Monterey Chardonnay from Arroyo Seco. J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines has produced Chardonnay from the appellation for over 35 years. The wine's name references cobblestones deposited by the Arroyo Seco River, creating Elder loam soil that limits root depth to one to four feet. Riverstone draws from ten distinct Chardonnay clones. It is barrel fermented, then aged sur lie with weekly hand-stirring of the lees. Ripe citrus and white nectarine open the nose, followed by lemon chiffon cake, wet stone minerality, gentle baking spices and honeysuckle. The entry has tantalising acidity and a stony, mineral-driven texture, then Meyer lemon, citrus cream, hazelnut, cocoa and vanilla-meringue richness, with ripe apple and pear. The finish is medium-long and lightly buttery, with toasted brioche, brown butter and oak spice.