Notes - Jerry Lohr grew up on a farm in North Dakota. On graduating, he started a property development business and in 1972 returned to his farming roots by planting 280 acres of vineyard in Monterey County. He started his winery in 1974, and over the years the J.Lohr label has become a byword for consistency and quality. When Jerry discovered that Cabernet did not produce the desired results in Monterey, he bought and planted some land in Paso Robles. Today he has 436 acres of vineyard in the cool Monterey County and 476 acres in Paso Robles. The Seven Oaks is harvested between mid October and the early November from vineyards in Paso Robles. Both alcoholic and malolactic fermentation is undertaken in stainless steel using cultured yeasts. The wine then undergoes 12 - 16 months ageing in a combination of American and French oak barrels. Dark ruby-red in colour with aromas of cherry, blackcurrant, blueberry and violets. The bouquet is an elegant blend of vanilla, chocolate, truffles, cedar and thyme. Showing ripe and velvety soft tannins with a plump structure supported by good acidity that balances the ripe fruit and helps create an elegant and lengthy palate. Complements grilled, pan fried or roasted red meats, cheese based sauces and roasted vegetables.