The 2021 Riva Ranch Vineyard Chardonnay opens with toasty oak aromatics, complemented by fruit notes from baked apple to freshly cut pineapple, melted caramel, and toasted brioche on the palate.
This is one of the most succulent, paicy Chardon nays on the market, featuring opulent notes of honeysuckin nectarine, and key lime against WENT a subtle, woody backdrop Pineapple charms on the mdpalate before giving way to a graceful hint of canded ginger on the frish Notes of sliced apples and pineapples with dried herbs, white flowers and raw almond. Medium- to full-bodied with a sleek and juicy mouthfeel. Bright and fruit-forward with fresh acidity.
Likably tart aromas of lime pith and grapefruit peel are warmed by almond and lifted by spearmint on the nose of this bottling. The palate is rounded in expression, with baked melon, lemon and hazelnut flavors finishing on a flinty note.

Founded in 1883, Wente Vineyards is the country’s longest continuously family-owned and operated winery. Today, the winery maintains its leadership role in California winegrowing under the ownership and management of the fourth and fifth generations of the Wente family. Blending traditional and innovative winemaking practices, the winery draws from its sustainably-farmed vineyards to create an outstanding portfolio of wines. The family owns and operates vineyards in two world-class regions of the Central Coast of California - Livermore Valley and Arroyo Seco, Monterey. Located just east of San Francisco in the historic Livermore Valley, Wente Vineyards is recognized as one of California’s premier wine country destinations, featuring wine tasting, food and wine experiences, and championship golf.

In 1912, 2nd Generation Ernest Wente persuaded his father and founder, C.H. Wente, to import Chardonnay cuttings from a well-known vine nursery, F. Richter Nursery in Montpellier, France, to the Livermore Valley. Ernest hand-picked vines that showed the best health and pronounced flavors, grafted the two together and propagated those characteristics forward. Ultimately creating what is known as the ‘Wente Clone.’ Today, over 75% of all California Chardonnay stems from the Wente Clone and the Wente Family property.