This will be FUN and informative! My guest this week is Kristen Barnhisel, white winemaker at J. Lohr vineyards. I have been a fan of Jerry Lohr and family for a long time. Jerry was on my show many moons ago, I’m thinking 1994? The winery production has grown and the quality of all the wines has remained extremely high. www.jlohr.com
Today we will give you a little history of the winery, the vineyards farmed, and products produced, with a focus on white wines.
I look forward to sharing Kristen’s journey in wine on her way to being named white winemaker at J. Lohr. She’s got an amazing background with a degree in enology from UC Davis and depth of experience making wine at some great wineries in both hemispheres.
At J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, acclaimed winemaker Kristen Barnhisel brings two decades of viticulture and winemaking experience spanning three continents to her role as winemaker for all white wines. Known for her gifted palate and technical skill, Kristen uses her expertise with a range of white wine varieties, styles, and winemaking methods to guide J. Lohr’s white wine portfolio.
Kristen was raised in Santa Rosa by a microbiologist mother, who worked for Simi Winery, and a father who was a home winemaker. Though she grew up immersed in the wine industry, even working harvests as a summer job, it wasn’t until she traveled to Italy while earning her B.A. in Italian literature that she was inspired to become a winemaker. Encouraged by legendary California winemaker and family friend Zelma Long, Kristen became one of the first women, and the first American, to work harvest for Ruffino in Italy. Kristen went on to earn a master’s degree in enology from UC Davis, while also working a number of coveted internships, including Warwick Wine Estate in South Africa, Opus One, and Long Vineyard, where she gained invaluable knowledge working alongside her mentor, Zelma Long. Learn more about Kristen
Download this great J. Lohr Riverstone recipe book
Good Life Guy’s Wine of the Week:
2022 J. Lohr Estates Riverstone Chardonnay
The 2022 Riverstone exhibits enticing aromas of ripe citrus, white nectarine, and baking spices. The rich texture and balanced acidity on the palate from barrel aging sur lie offers flavors of ripe Meyer lemon, citrus cream, hazelnut, cocoa, and a hint of oak on the long finish. ABV14% — Kristen Barnhisel, winemaker, white wine
This classic, cool-climate Chardonnay can be enjoyed as an aperitif with a triple cream brie or Humboldt Fog goat cheese; it is equally at home accompanying a fresh seafood risotto, mussels in white wine sauce, or chicken piccata.
- Wine Enthusiast
Though the production level of this wine is rather massive, the quality does not suffer. Aromas of lemon chiffon cake and wet stone are engaging on the nose. The palate starts with a tantalizing acidity and stony texture, giving edge to the richer cream and vanilla-meringue flavors that arise by the finish. - James Suckling
Cooked apples, ripe pineapple, honeysuckle and hints of caramel on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied with a creamy texture. Generous and rich, with a fruity and slightly waxy aftertaste.
Grab a bottle or three at Jacob Liquor Exchange on North Rock Road or your local wine merchant and join us!
Learn more here…