Wente Vineyards
Smith Bench Arroyo Seco Chardonnay
Arroyo Seco, Central Coast, California, USA
Smith Bench Chardonnay 2022
Arroyo Seco AVA, Monterey, California – USA 🇺🇸
Overview
Crafted from the Wente family’s historic legacy in California Chardonnay, this wine is rooted in the cool, maritime-influenced terroir of Arroyo Seco. Benchland soils and steady breezes from Monterey Bay shape a Chardonnay that is vibrant, layered, and true to place. Wente’s vineyards are farmed sustainably, reinforcing their long-standing commitment to stewardship of land and legacy.
Aromas & Flavors
Golden apple, pear, and lemon zest lead, followed by white peach and honeysuckle. Subtle vanilla cream and toasted almond add complexity while letting the orchard fruit remain at the core.
Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied and mineral-driven, with lively acidity that keeps it crisp. A subtle creaminess brings roundness, finishing clean with citrus lift.
Winemaking Notes
Estate-grown fruit from Arroyo Seco. Partial barrel fermentation for texture and depth, complemented by stainless steel to preserve freshness. Minimal intervention highlights terroir purity and vineyard character.
Food Pairing
Ideal with seared scallops, lemon-butter chicken, creamy pastas, or roasted root vegetables. Fresh goat cheese salads are another winning match.
Verdict
A quintessential Arroyo Seco Chardonnay — crisp, expressive, and elegant, bridging Wente family tradition with modern sustainable winemaking. Balanced, versatile, and deeply rewarding.
Personal Pick Highlight
Knowing the Wente family’s legacy as pioneers of California Chardonnay — and their dedication to sustainability — makes this wine even more special. It’s terroir, history, and responsibility, all in one glass. Cheers!
Smith Bench Chardonnay 2022
Arroyo Seco AVA, Monterey, California – USA 🇺🇸
Overview
Crafted from the Wente family’s historic legacy in California Chardonnay, this wine is rooted in the cool, maritime-influenced terroir of Arroyo Seco. Benchland soils and steady breezes from Monterey Bay shape a Chardonnay that is vibrant, layered, and true to place. Wente’s vineyards are farmed sustainably, reinforcing their long-standing commitment to stewardship of land and legacy.
Aromas & Flavors
Golden apple, pear, and lemon zest lead, followed by white peach and honeysuckle. Subtle vanilla cream and toasted almond add complexity while letting the orchard fruit remain at the core.
Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied and mineral-driven, with lively acidity that keeps it crisp. A subtle creaminess brings roundness, finishing clean with citrus lift.
Winemaking Notes
Estate-grown fruit from Arroyo Seco. Partial barrel fermentation for texture and depth, complemented by stainless steel to preserve freshness. Minimal intervention highlights terroir purity and vineyard character.
Food Pairing
Ideal with seared scallops, lemon-butter chicken, creamy pastas, or roasted root vegetables. Fresh goat cheese salads are another winning match.
Verdict
A quintessential Arroyo Seco Chardonnay — crisp, expressive, and elegant, bridging Wente family tradition with modern sustainable winemaking. Balanced, versatile, and deeply rewarding.
Personal Pick Highlight
Knowing the Wente family’s legacy as pioneers of California Chardonnay — and their dedication to sustainability — makes this wine even more special. It’s terroir, history, and responsibility, all in one glass. Cheers!
A well-balanced Chardonnay, crispy, very approachable and delicious baked pear with yellow and tropical fruits. Nice subtle touch of cedar and toasty finish. Acidity stays by the mid range palate and smooths out pleasantly.
A well-balanced Chardonnay, crispy, very approachable and delicious baked pear with yellow and tropical fruits. Nice subtle touch of cedar and toasty finish. Acidity stays by the mid range palate and smooths out pleasantly.
Sep 14th, 2024
