Wente Vineyards

Riva Ranch Single Vineyard Chardonnay

8.8132 ratings
8.613 pro ratings
Arroyo Seco, Central Coast, California, USA
Chardonnay
Duck, Shellfish, Goose, Mushrooms, Manchego & Parmesan, Game, Pork, Squash & Root Vegetables, Chicken, Turkey, Cheddar & Gruyere, Meaty & Oily Fish, White Fish, Shellfish, Crab & Lobster, Cream Sauces
Top Notes For
Eileen Gross

A rustic clove on the nose on first opening. Mellow Lemon rind & apple flavors. Finishes with a burst of lemon.13/5% alcohol 97% Chardonnay 3% Gewürztraminer retails $22 (sample)

A rustic clove on the nose on first opening. Mellow Lemon rind & apple flavors. Finishes with a burst of lemon.13/5% alcohol 97% Chardonnay 3% Gewürztraminer retails $22 (sample)

1 person found it helpfulMay 21st, 2015
Michael Wangbickler CWE DipWSET

President Drink Local Wine Inc, Educator Discover Wine & Spirits Academy

9.0

This is the style of California Chardonnay that has made it so popular. Great balance of fruit and oak. #client

This is the style of California Chardonnay that has made it so popular. Great balance of fruit and oak. #client

1 person found it helpfulAug 27th, 2014
Rose’s Cafe

I don't always drink Chardonnay but when I do I want to taste the oak and butter. This one has it. Very nice! 😊

I don't always drink Chardonnay but when I do I want to taste the oak and butter. This one has it. Very nice! 😊

Oct 5th, 2016
Sipping Fine Wine

Opening a 2013 Riva Ranch Chardonnay, the color is deep straw yellow with complex aromas of tropical and stone fruits with floral spices. The palate displayed flavors of lemons, peaches and vanilla oak along with minerality. The wine is buttery but not overdone. The medium finish ends with plenty of fruit flavor and light spice, acidity and a touch of spice at the end. Nice!

Opening a 2013 Riva Ranch Chardonnay, the color is deep straw yellow with complex aromas of tropical and stone fruits with floral spices. The palate displayed flavors of lemons, peaches and vanilla oak along with minerality. The wine is buttery but not overdone. The medium finish ends with plenty of fruit flavor and light spice, acidity and a touch of spice at the end. Nice!

May 20th, 2016
Scott Wren

Super oaky old school but some nights wine cocktails are nice :)

Super oaky old school but some nights wine cocktails are nice :)

Jul 18th, 2015
Blake Conklin

Cellar Hand Relic Winery

8.7

Classic Cali Chard

Classic Cali Chard

Jul 2nd, 2015
Keaton Kail

Watery yellow-gold. Unexpected hint of petrol/rainwater on the nose before lilting yellow flowers, butter-poached Bosc pear. Acid still clean and bright, lifting a medium body and (at this point) integrated oak.

Watery yellow-gold. Unexpected hint of petrol/rainwater on the nose before lilting yellow flowers, butter-poached Bosc pear. Acid still clean and bright, lifting a medium body and (at this point) integrated oak.

Oct 8th, 2020
Shannon Norris

Slight butter and oak notes, but very subtle and overall quite clean and crisp.

Slight butter and oak notes, but very subtle and overall quite clean and crisp.

Dec 19th, 2018
Aleka Scoco

Buttery but with classic CA oak finish

Buttery but with classic CA oak finish

Feb 26th, 2018
Pat Sperry

Very flavorful, marked by sharp acidity on the finish; last Riva we had was inferior, must have been flawed bottle. This was quite good.

Very flavorful, marked by sharp acidity on the finish; last Riva we had was inferior, must have been flawed bottle. This was quite good.

May 14th, 2016