Description

J Lohr Paso Robles Merlot

Founded five decades ago and still family-owned and operated today, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines has established itself as one of the industry’s most respected wine brands. Jerry Lohr’s remarkable career continues in close, hands-on partnership with his children and co-owners Steve, Cynthia, and Lawrence. One of America’s favorite wineries is poised for its next exciting, pioneering chapter.

We grow our Merlot grapes in the moderately cool El Pomar District of Paso Robles, which is generally acknowledged to be the ideal area for this variety in the Paso Robles AVA. Planted on Nacimiento-Los Osos, Arbuckle-San Ysidro, and Arbuckle-Positas complex soils, these well- drained but relatively poor mediums limit vine vigor and support wine quality. We harvest our estate-grown Merlot grapes across a range of sugar ripeness. The early picks usually capture the classic varietal definition of Merlot, while the fruit harvested later adds depth and intensity. The clone and rootstock combinations, along with variations in soil, build layered complexity.

Vintage

Paso Robles experienced generous preseason rainfall in January of 2021 but the remainder of the winter and spring saw little precipitation. The dry conditions forced vines to produce small but concentrated berries, typical of drought years in Paso Robles. Though dry, the growing season saw moderate daytime temperatures with reliably cool nights and mornings. This kept berries fresh and allowed Paso Robles winegrowers the luxury of patience to harvest grapes at optimal ripeness. We commenced our first Merlot pick on September 20th. Generous additions of Malbec and Cabernet Franc to the blend added sophisticated aromatics and juiciness to the palate.

Tasting

Varietal aromas of plum, currant, and violet are elevated by a light barrel signature of baking spices and toasted pastry. The addition of Malbec contributes notes of pomegranate and hibiscus flower. Cabernet Franc brings layers of cocoa and peppery spice. The mouth-watering palate transitions to a lingering black cherry finish.

J Lohr Paso Robles Merlot Notes To Your Senses:

• APPEARANCE: Dark and dense purple
• AROMA: Plum, currant, and violet are elevated by a light barrel signature of baking spices and toasted pastry
• TASTE: Pomegranate and hibiscus flower with layers of cocoa and peppery spice
• FINISH: Lingering black cherry
• ABV: 14%