AWARD-WINNING WINES

The 2023 Riva Ranch Vineyard Pinot Noir is a vibrant and expressive representation of the Arroyo Seco appellation. This vintage opens with youthful aromas of ripe black cherries, red currants, and earthy undertones, elegantly layered with notes of toasty oak spice, including hints of baked cinnamon, clove, and toasted brioche. On the palate, supple, rounded tannins and lively acidity create a harmonious balance, carrying the wine gracefully from start to finish.

Since 1883, five generations of our family have handcrafted fine wines that express the very best of our vineyards and winemaking expertise. Our Riverbank Riesling is named after a key feature of the Arroyo Seco appellation in the Central Coast, which is defined by a unique geological feature called the Arroyo Seco Cone. Composed of soils, water sources, and wind streams that differentiate it from the Salinas Valley and the Monterey Appellation, it was created by the flow of the Arroyo Seco as it spills down from the Santa Lucia Mountains. This funnel-shaped region appears at the edge of steep slopes where the river has cut a deep ravine, forming an imposing riverbank. On the southern edge of this ravine, Riesling flourishes in the deep rocky soils.

The 2022 Livermore Valley Wetmore Cabernet Sauvignon opens with aromas of black currant and cassis, complemented by a hint of "Livermore Dust." Creamy oak notes bring roasted cocoa nibs and hardwood complexity. On the palate, the wine offers layers of ripe black cherry and plum, leading to a long, satisfying finish. While initially supple, it transitions into a deep, rich profile with a firm tannin structure that will support its aging potential. *Cannot be shipped to Louisiana.

This lush Chardonnay has plenty of character and is loaded with perfectly ripened apples, caramelized pineapple, and toasted brioche, which team together to form the foundation of this deep and delightfully expressive vineyard selection. The optimally ripened fruit is complemented by a tasteful measure of slightly creamy oak that hints at notes of crème Brule, along with a dollop of buttery richness that lasts well into the lengthy finish. The mouthfeel is slightly viscous and supple on entry, but manages to maintain youthful energy thanks to some carefully integrated supporting acidity that assures that the wine is as carefully balanced as it is wonderfully rich.

The 2024 Eric's Chardonnay is unoaked to exemplify the beautiful varietal character of Livermore Valley Chardonnay. This unoaked Chardonnay is bursting with aromas of citrus, melon, and white flowers. The wine has bright flavors of honeydew and meyer lemon with a touch of minerality.

Our 2021 Artist Series GSM rides the line between bright Grenache and savory Syrah with a hint of Mourvedre. Label created by Artist Jun Yang.

Our 2021 Serenity Red Wine is a proprietary blend of Syrah, Petite Sirah, Grenache, and Mourvedre that impresses with its exotic substance, riveting depth, and engaging complexity. There is plenty of sweet oak that showcases baked cinnamon and vanilla bean which perfectly compliments the abundant candied red cherry and dried fruit flavors.

Our 2024 Louis Mel Sauvignon Blanc displays classic fruit combined with juicy acidity which adds up to a wine bursting with youthful exuberance. This vintage showcases notes of classic grapefruit with additional notes of white apricot, guava, and key lime. These notes are complemented by fruit-driven flavors of sweet Meyer lemon and candied citrus. This wine is well rounded with a balanced acidity, complimented by a touch of minerality on the finish.

Since 1883, the Wente family has devoted itself to crafting exceptional wines that embody the essence of our vineyards and the depth of our winemaking heritage. Our Mount Diablo Red Blend is a testament to the winemaking expertise that defines our legacy. It is a harmonious blend of varieties that the family has cultivated over five generations on the Central Coast of California.

Our 2022 Beyer Ranch Zinfandel encompasses all of the traits that Zinfandel lovers crave. Deep and concentrated blackberry aromas are complemented by layered notes of spice, briar, and notable rich, creamy oak.

Our Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon is named for our vineyards located along the southern hills of the Central Coast. The Wente family farms approximately 400 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards using the two clones originating from California wine pioneer Charles Wetmore’s Bordeaux cuttings in the 19th century. With well-drained rocky soils and unique microclimates, the Southern Hills vineyards are in the most desirable settings, with exposures ideal for growing Cabernet Sauvignon of distinct character, depth, and intensity.

The nth DEGREE is a selection of handcrafted, limited production wines created by Fifth Generation Winemaker, Karl D. Wente. The focus of this small lot program is to create wines that reflect the distinctive terroir of the Wente family’s estate vineyards in Livermore Valley and Arroyo Seco, Monterey. Each wine must show style and finesse of stellar degree to be included in the nth DEGREE program. Only the best of the best, regardless of vintage or variety, achieve this distinction.