93pts Tasting Panel

This vintage of one of California's most iconic Chardonnays is fresh and vibrant, with butterscotch adhering to a stony frame. The mouthfeel offers a sensation of creamy oak, while the fine acid structure provides tension. Mango and banana are pleasing treats.

91pts James Suckling

A toasty, full-bodied wine in the tradition of reserve-style chardonnays. Shows ample oak spice, charred baguette, butter and baked apple flavors on a smooth, creamy texture, yet with a good nip of lemon zest acidity to keep it balanced.

90pts Wine Enthusiast

Minty white flower aromas meet with tart green apple and toasty oak notes on the nose of this bottling. There's a decent tension to start the sip, which evolves into baked apple and roasted nut flavors. 

Tasting Notes

The 2023 Riva Ranch Chardonnay showcases ripe apples, caramelized pineapple, and toasted brioche, creating a rich and complex flavor profile. A hint of creamy oak adds subtle notes of crème brûlée, while a buttery richness carries through to a long, satisfying finish. The wine’s supple mouthfeel is balanced by a refreshing acidity, ensuring both depth and lively energy.

Pair with: Aged white cheddar and sourdough baguette, lobster tails and clarified butter, smoked chicken quesadillas, and mushroom risotto.

About the Wine

Sourced solely from the Arroyo Seco region of Monterey California. Our family has been farming these Arroyo Seco vineyards since the early 1960s. Arroyo Seco is renowned as a premier Californian terroir for Chardonnay, thanks to its optimal cool climate and profound gravelly terrain. We are recognized for establishing some of the first Chardonnay vines in the United States and are proud to share this elegant expression of
Chardonnay with you.

Winery Notes

Founded in 1883, Wente Family Vineyards is the oldest continuously family-owned and operated winery in the United States. For over five generations, the Wente family has helped shape California’s wine industry through innovation, sustainability, and a deep-rooted passion for winemaking. Explore our timeline to learn how Wente Vineyards became a pioneer in American wine history, from planting the first Chardonnay vines to creating unforgettable wine country experiences in Livermore Valley.

Blend: 99% Chardonnay, 1% Gewurztraminer

Sustainable