WINE REVIEW: Wente 2021 Chardonnay, Riva Ranch Vineyard, Arroyo Seco, Monterey, CA ($22)

by Andrew Chalk

This may be my favorite Wente Chardonnay. It has a nose of cream soda, pineapple, baked apples, and vanilla. On the palate all those fruits come through,along with bright citrus but are enlivened by medium-plus acid, and modulated by a powerful phenolic backbone. It is a lovely quaffing wine but also substantial enough to pair with food in heavy white sauces.

Sample.