Citrusy and floral in the aromas, bright and balanced in the mouth. Balance of oak, acidity, and butter is perfection. Excellent Chardonnay. Faultless. — 6 months ago
This is a delicious Chardonnay from California.
Deep golden in color.
Fruity on the nose and medium plus in body with medium acidity.
Dry on the palate with nice complexity and a soft mouthfeel.
Showing lemons, apples, limes, grapefruits, spices, light oak and minerals.
Long finish with limes.
This Single Vineyard Chardonnay is still young and will continue to age nicely in the next 5 to 7 years.
Aged on its lees in French Oak barrels for 14 months.
13.5% alcohol by volume.
92 points.
$75. — 10 months ago
A little buttery but not bad — 2 years ago
Light Oak, good acidity, cream with pear. Better colder. — 4 years ago
Great for price! — 7 years ago
This California Chardonnay offers warm notes of butter with green apple and vanilla. It is full bodied with a long smooth finish. — 5 months ago
Deep, buttery, complex - buttered popcorn — 8 months ago
i am not into chardonnay…but i like this one….
smoky/oaky-citrusy/tangy…. light feeling :) nice balanced… — 10 months ago
What a wine at 11 years! So much lemon, seagrass, peaches, a bit of stone, some lemon curd. It coats the palate. Interestingly it opened up with more fruit over 2 hours. It is so freaking good. It’s really like a fresh lemon tart with a tiny bit of cream and the crust with some orchard fruit and the at the ocean. Unbelievable. I loved this wine 8 years ago and love it more now. — 10 months ago
Almost has a cedar smell. Jasmin aroma, good mouth feel. Nice wine — 3 years ago
Best chardonnay I've ever had — 6 years ago
Smith Bench – Chardonnay – 2023
Arroyo Seco AVA – Monterey County – California, USA 🇺🇸
Overview
100% Chardonnay sourced from the cool-climate Arroyo Seco AVA in Monterey, produced under the Wente Family Estates umbrella. Arroyo Seco’s strong diurnal shifts and well-drained gravelly soils help retain freshness while allowing full phenolic ripeness. This is a polished, approachable California Chardonnay that leans slightly toward oak influence without losing varietal clarity.
Aromas & Flavors
Ripe pineapple, golden apple, baked pear, and hints of mango, layered with vanilla, toasted oak, and a subtle touch of baking spice.
Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with a smooth, rounded texture. The oak adds creaminess, while underlying acidity keeps the palate lively and prevents heaviness.
Food Pairings
Roast chicken, grilled shrimp with butter, lobster rolls, creamy pasta dishes, corn risotto, or mild washed-rind cheeses.
Verdict
An easy-drinking, crowd-pleasing Chardonnay that showcases the classic Wente family style, fruit-forward, lightly oaked, and well-balanced. Ideal as a casual sipper or reliable dinner companion when you want comfort and familiarity without excess weight.
Did You Know?
The Wente family is widely credited with introducing the Chardonnay clone that became the foundation of much of California’s Chardonnay plantings, making them one of the most influential names in U.S. Chardonnay history. — 6 months ago
Muirwood – Chardonnay 2023
Arroyo Seco, Monterey – Central Coast, California 🇺🇸
Overview
Made from 100% Chardonnay, sourced from certified sustainable vineyards in Arroyo Seco, Monterey. This sub-region of the Central Coast is known for its cool winds and gravelly soils, providing ideal conditions for crisp, balanced Chardonnay.
Aromas & Flavors
Fresh tropical fruit (pineapple, mango, melon) with notes of citrus zest and green apple. Subtle floral lift, with just a faint hint of oak spice in the background.
Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied, crisp, and fruit-driven. No heavy butter or overpowering oak — instead, clean acidity and bright fruit define the palate. Smooth and refreshing finish.
Food Pairings
Great with grilled shrimp, sushi rolls, roast chicken, or summer salads. Perfect as an aperitif or paired with lighter fare.
Verdict
A balanced, refreshing Central Coast Chardonnay — tropical and crisp, sustainable, and delightfully easy to drink. Not a “buttery bomb,” but a modern, clean style that shines with food. 🌿🍍cheers!
Did You Know?
Arroyo Seco (meaning “dry creek”) is one of California’s coolest AVAs, where maritime breezes from Monterey Bay help Chardonnay ripen slowly, preserving acidity and freshness. — 9 months ago
I’m getting citrus and fruity notes from this one. I am surprised I like this. It has a light body and is easy to drink. Yay — 2 years ago
Really buttery at a great price point, but not too oak forward. — 5 years ago
Nice sparkling — 7 years ago
Erik Longabardi
Linda Lista Chard. Genius — 3 months ago