J. Lohr’s 2014 Valdiguie is a serious candidate for best summer picnic wine, but not for the reason you might expect. Often likened to Beaujolais, Valdiguie can be light and sometimes astringent. J. Lohr’s latest is anything but, showing intense fruit aromas of raspberry, cherry and pomegranate, with firm tannins. It is meant to be served slightly chilled and will pair nicely with duck, chicken and an array of spicy tapas.
J. Lohr, Monterey (California) Valdiguie 2014
By Robert Whitley