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Wente Wines
The Wente family vineyards:
Monterey
The Monterey growing region is a more southern sub-appellation of the Central Coast AVA. Monterey also has a coastal climate, and as in the San Francisco Bay region, the ocean air enters the appellation through a gap in the coastal mountain range called the Salinas River Gap. The effect of the coastal breezes coming through the Salinas River Gap, in addition to the cool climate and winds of the Salinas Valley, give the Monterey region one of the longest growing seasons in California. This long growing season enables the grapes to retain their natural acids and intense varietal character.
Arroyo Seco
Arroyo Seco is a sub-appellation within the Monterey AVA, with topography that begins in the west as a steep, narrow canyon and widens in the east as it nears the edge of the Salinas Valley floor. Arroyo Seco has many meso-climates, including the mouth of the canyon in the west, where red Bordeaux grape varieties flourish, warmed by reflective heat generated from the soil and nearby cliffs. The eastern part of the region is relatively cooler, due to strong Salinas Valley winds, providing ideal conditions for growing white Burgundy grape varieties. The soil in the Arroyo Seco area is primarily elder loam, underlain by river stones deposited over thousands of years by the Arroyo Seco River. These "Greenfield Potatoes," as they are known, are an integral part of the soil because they store and release heat and promote excellent drainage, keeping the vines' vegetative growth and fruit production in balance.
San Francisco Bay
The San Francisco Bay appellation, the most northern part of the Central Coast, is an area united by historical, geographical, and atmospheric similarities that ties together several smaller sub-appellations: Santa Clara Valley, Livermore Valley, San Ysidro District and Pacheco Pass. The area also covers many acres of existing and potential vineyards that were not previously represented by any AVA. The San Francisco Bay appellation extends inland from the shores of the Bay and the Pacific Ocean, and the region is distinguished by a unique marine climate that is heavily influenced by the proximity of both of these large bodies of water.
Livermore Valley
Within the San Francisco Bay, the Livermore Valley is an east-west valley with gravelly soils and a unique set of meso-climates. The ocean influence enters the area through the Golden Gate and San Bruno Gaps, openings in the coastal mountain ranges near the mouth of the San Francisco Bay. The topography, the prevailing winds, and the influence of the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Bay are the major climatic influences in the Livermore Valley area. The interaction between these elements has two principal effects: 1) it allows the cooling effects of the Pacific Ocean to extend farther inland than elsewhere along the California Coast, and 2) the water of the San Francisco Bay adds to this coastal influence by moderating the climate of the region.
Wente Wines
2003
Riva Ranch Reserve Chardonnay
94% Arroyo Secco, Monterey, 6% Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay
The 2003 Riva Ranch Chardonnay is an exceptional balance between the characters of the fruit, the sur lie barrel ageing, and the malo-lactic fermentation. As usual, the fruit component of our Arroyo Seco Chardonnay is tropical in nature, with mango, papaya, and guava aromas surrounded by the vanilla, coconut, and toast of the barrel. Rounding out the wine is the subtle level of butter from the partial malo-lactic fermentation.
2002
Riva Ranch Reserve Chardonnay
86% Arroyo Seco, Monterey 14% Livermore, San Francisco Bay
The 2002 Riva Ranch Chardonnay is an exceptional balance between the characters of the fruit, the sur lie barrel ageing, and the malo-lactic fermentation. As usual, the fruit component of our Arroyo Seco Chardonnay is tropical in nature, with mango, papaya, and guava aromas surrounded by the vanilla, coconut, and toast of the barrel. Rounding out the wine is the subtle level of butter from the partial malo-lactic fermentation.
2003
Charles Wetmore Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
100% Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay
The origins of Wente Vineyards’ Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon date back to when Charles Wetmore first imported this clone of Cabernet to the Livermore Valley from the commune of Margaux, France. This reserve wine has wonderful aromas, a silky texture with flavors of black fruit, green olive, and herbs provided by the cabernet lots. There are additional layers with subtle hints of vanilla and toasty oak. The petit verdot adds structure through tannins, creating an elegance to the wine. The 2003 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon delivers a soft, rich taste experience.
2002
Charles Wetmore Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
100% Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay
The origins of Wente Vineyards’ Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon date back to when Charles Wetmore ? rst imported this clone of Cabernet to the Livermore Valley from the commune of Margaux, France. This reserve wine has wonderful aromas, a silky texture with ? avors of black fruit, plum, and cedar provided by the cabernet lots. There are additional layers with subtle hints of vanilla and toasty oak. The petit verdot adds structure through tannins, creating an elegance to the wine. The 2002 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon delivers a soft, rich taste experience.
2002
Crane Ridge Reserve Merlot
98% Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay, 2% Arroyo Seco, Monterey
The flavors found in this wine are rich in cherry, cedar, and graham. Aging in small French and American oak barrels gives the wine a smooth, velvety texture with elegant tannins that are a superb balance to many meals.
2001
Crane Ridge Reserve Merlot
90% Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay 10% Paso Robles
The ?avors found in this wine are rich in currant, plum, cedar, and spice. Aging in small French and American oak barrels gives the wine a smooth, velvety texture with elegant tannins that are a superb match with many meals.
2003
Reliz Creek Reserve Pinot Noir
100% Arroyo Seco, Monterey
This vintage of Reliz Creek Pinot Noir has a classic pinot taste with beautiful oak layering, balanced tannins, a refreshing acidity and fruity finish. With flavors of strawberry and plums, this blend is a perfect example of oak integration with a full mouth and body.
2002
Reliz Creek Reserve Pinot Noir
91% Arroyo Seco, Monterey; 9% Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay
This vintage of Reliz Creek Pinot Noir has ripe cherry, blackberry, and raspberry aromas, with some smoky oak in the background. On the palate, the wine is rich and viscous, delivering the ripe fruit flavors to all parts of the mouth. There is a slight earthy character, which adds to the complexity of this wine.
2003
Smith Bench Reserve Zinfandel
100% Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay
With a nice berry jam flavor, smooth tannins and a lingering fruit finish, this Zinfandel was specially selected to be included into the Wente Vineyards Reserve portfolio for its color, fruit, and tannin potential. Rich, smooth, and full, this is an excellent ecample of Livermore Valley.
2004
Chardonnay
87% Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay, 13% Arroyo Seco, Monterey
This 2004 Chardonnay is a great example of the Livermore Valley terroir. The red apple fruit and medium acidity from the grape balanced with the graham cracker oak and a slight buttery finish bring together the best of both worlds, in terms of ways to craft Chardonnay.
2003
Chardonnay
86% Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay, 14% Monterey
This 2003 Chardonnay is a great example of the Livermore Valley terroir. The aromas of citrus and vanilla melt away into the tropical fruit flavors as a hint of oak dances around the palette.
2003
Sauvignon Blanc
100% Livermore valley
This wine as beautiful gooseberry and floral aromas, with a hint of fresh citrus. The mouthfeel is lean and the acidity causes the wine to linger in the mouth
Vineyard:
This Sauvignon blanc comes from various vineyards across the Livermore Valley. The different microclimates add complexity to this fruit-forward style of wine. All of the vineyards are sustainable farmed and harvest at a relatively low sugar level to retain the natural acidity.
2002
Sauvignon Blanc
100% Livermore Valley
This Sauvignon Blanc is a great example of why Livermore Valley is a great plance to grow this premium varietal. This wine has aromas of gooseberry, citrus, mango, and a touch of fresh grass. Even better in the mouth, this wine delivers on the promise of the nose and has a perfect acid balance creating a crisp, lasting finish.
2004
Riesling
98% Arroyo Seco, Monterey, 2% Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay
This is a varietally distinct wine enhanced by the soils and climate of the Monterey appellation. This Riesling is full of apple, peach, and melon aromas, backed by orange blossom and honeysuckle. The taste is crisp and fresh and delivers full varietal flavors, finishing with a hint of spice. The acid and the sweetness are perfectly balanced for an excellent mouth feel. This intriguing wine is delightful as an aperitif or with fruits, cheeses and a variety of light entrees.
2003
Riesling
100% Monterey
This is a varietally distinct wine enhanced by the soils and climate of the Monterey appellation. This Riesling is full of apple, peach, and melon aromas, backed by orange blossom and honeysuckle. The taste is crisp and fresh and delivers full varietal flavors, finishing with a hint of spice. The acid and the sweetness are perfectly balanced for an excellent mouth feel. This intriguing wine is delightful as an aperitif or with fruits, cheeses and a variety of light entrees.
2004
White Zinfandel
78% Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay, 22% Arroyo Seco, Monterey
This salmon-colored White Zinfandel is made in a light bodied, easy to drink style. It is delicate and refreshing with strawberry and watermelon aromas hinting of sweetness and finishing with a good, crisp balance. Served well chilled, this versatile wine can be paired with a picnic basket, served as an aperitif or enjoyed with a variety of light-style cuisine or with spicy Asian and Latin American dishes.
2003
White Zinfandel
78% Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay, 22% Arroyo Seco, Monterey
This salmon-colored White Zinfandel is made in a light bodied, easy to drink style. It is delicate and refreshing with strawberry and watermelon aromas hinting of sweetness and finishing with a good, crisp balance. Served well chilled, this versatile wine can be paired with a picnic basket, served as an aperitif or enjoyed with a variety of light-style cuisine or with spicy Asian and Latin American dishes.
2003
Cabernet Sauvignon
100% Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay
Our Vineyard Selection Cabernet Sauvignon has lush flavors of cherry and plum, with hints of cedar and violets in the nose. The tannins are smooth, making this a great pair with roasted and grilled meats, or fuller flavored fish such as salmon and Ahi tuna.
2002
Cabernet Sauvignon
100% Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay
Our Vineyard Selection Cabernet Sauvignon has lush flavors of cherry and plum, with hints of cedar and violets in the nose. The tannins are smooth, making this a great pair with roasted and grilled meats, or fuller flavored fish such as salmon and Ahi tuna.
2003
Merlot
85% Arroyo Seco, Monterey, 15% Livermore Valley, San Francisco
This merlot has a nice herbal nose with hints of cloves, spice, and cassis in the mouth. With an overall balanced mouthfeel and a smooth finish, this wine can be enjoyed with plenty of dishes from pastas to the grill.
2002
Merlot
85% Arroyo Seco, Monterey 15% Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay
This Merlot is bursting with the red cherry, blackberry, black tea, and a creamy vanilla from the time in barrels. On the mouth, the fruit is certainly the dominant player, as the vanilla and the herbal tea are in the background. With a full mellow and round tannin backbone, this full-bodied Merlot is best paired with grilled meats, spicy pasta sauces and a wide array of fruits and cheeses.
2003
Syrah
100% Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay
With rich flavors of ripe, black cherry and boysenberry, this Syrah blend melts into an earthy toffee character with a mildly tannic, chocolate finish.
2002
Syrah
100% Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay
This Syrah is bursting with the spicy aromas and ?avors of pomegranate, black cherry and earth. With a full mild and round tannin backbone, on the mouth this wine is full of fresh round tannin backbone, on the mouth this wine is full of fresh strawberries to augment the ?avors found in the aromas. This strawberries to augment the ?avors found in the aromas. This full-bodied Syrah is best paired with grilled meats, spicy pasta sauces and a wide array of fruits and cheeses.
2001
Zinfandel
100% Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay
This Zinfandel is bursting with the spicy aromas and ?avors of raspberry and black pepper that typify this quintessential Cali-fornian varietal. With a full tannic backbone, this full-bodied Zinfandel is best paired with grilled meats, spicy pasta sauces and a wide array of fruits and cheeses.
1999
Zinfandel
100% Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay
This Zinfandel is bursting with spicy aromas and flavors of raspberry andblack pepper that typify this red varietal. Eight months of barrel agingprovides hints of oak and vanilla to the wine. The Zinfandel’s structure oftannin and fruit creates a well-balanced, smooth wine to be enjoyed withgrilled meats, spicy sauces and a wide array of fruits and cheeses. |
