Wente Vineyards is the oldest continuously-operated family-owned winery in the country. Founded in 1883, the winery is now owned and managed by the fourth and fifth generations of the Wente family. The winery produces premium wines sourced from nearly 3,000 acres of estate vineyards in the Livermore Valley (located within the larger San Francisco Bay appellation), and Arroyo Seco (located in Monterey County) winegrowing regions. Wente Vineyards is perhaps most renowned for having brought cuttings from Montpelier to California in the 19th century, including the Wente clone of Chardonnay, the most widely planted in California today.
All wines from Wente Vineyards are made from estate grown fruit. The three Chardonnays reviewed here are produced under the direction of Fifth Generation winemaker Karl D. Wente. They are sourced from Wente’s Livermore Valley vineyard and from its Riva Ranch Vineyard in Arroyo Seco. The Livermore Valley vineyard has numerous micro-climates and diverse soils and is well-suited for Chardonnay. The Morning Fog Chardonnay and the Eric’s Chardonnay both benefit from valley floor parcels exposed to marine influences from San Francisco Bay. The Chardonnay Riva Ranch is from an even cooler growing area with well-drained rocky soils and longer hang time.
Wines by Wente Vineyards are widely distributed in the US and around the world. Information on where they can be purchased is provided at www.wentevineyards.com
Tasting Notes
Wente 2015 Morning Fog Chardonnay Livermore Valley ($15) 90 The estate-grown Morning Fog Chardonnay displays a medium yellow-gold color and aromas of tropical fruit, vanilla and sweet oak. Aged sur lie for 5 months with monthly battonage, it has a creamy mouth feel, fresh flavor, and a long finish. Fermented in 50% neutral oak and 50% stainless steel.
Wente 2014 Riva Ranch Chardonnay Arroyo Secco ($22) 90+ The Chardonnay Riva Ranch offers lovely tropical and orchard fruit aromas with hints of toasted oak. It has a creamy mouth feel and texture, good balance and acidity and a long finish. Riva Ranch is a wonderful source for Chardonnay with several Dijon and Old Wente Heritage clones.
Wente 2015 Eric’s Chardonnay Livermore Valley ($28) 91 Eric’s Chardonnay is unoaked and offers steely aromas and flavors with hints of green citrus and minerals. Fermented and aged in stainless steel, it is bright and crisp tasting with accents of stone fruit. Sourced from a small lot of the estate vineyard. A highly successful un-oaked Chardonnay.
