100pts Vinous

The 2023 Estate Reserve Chardonnay is magnificent. Tangerine peel, hazelnut, spice, menthol, baked apple tart and pastry are some of the many nuances that open in the glass. Creamy, resonant contours wrap up the plush close. There's a striking richness and overall mind-blowing balance to match a long finish that reverberates for an eternity. The Reserve is a blend of sections within three blocks on the property, planted mainly with variations of older Wente selections that are distinguished by longer hang times. What a wine!

Winemakers Notes

This wine shows superb concentration and depth while the texture is noticeably chalky with a compact core of fresh nectarine, mandarin, wild fennel and orange blossom. There’s a saturated, citrus oil component that underlays the diverse array of orchard fruit, lemon peel, lime zest, almond paste, ocean mist and crushed white rocks. The oak contributes weight and breadth on the palate, it’s seamlessly integrated and provides nuance and gravitas. Powerful yet vibrant and energetic, the Reserve bottling has great length and mineral persistence on the finish.