Wente Vineyards was honored in 2011 with the title “Winery of the Year” by Wine Enthusiast magazine. It was quite the accomplishment for the Livermore Valley based operation. The prize came with a combination of quality and consistency. Their very reasonably priced, everyday wines are always friendly and approachable, making them a standby choice for casually drinkers everywhere.

Grape(s): Chardonnay

Region: Livermore Valley

Year: 2010

Special Designation: Morning Fog

Price: 10-15

Review:

Aromas of apple, pear, and tropical fruit with just touch of sweet spice can be discovered on the nose. With a sip, flavors of green apple, pear, and pineapple are accented by suggestions of vanilla and all-spice. A nice, crisp Chardonnay, with only a subtle oak influence, if you’re not a fan of big, round, and buttery, this is a wine for you.

Rating: 88

Grape(s): Chardonnay

Region: Monterey County

Year: 2010

Special Designation: Riva Ranch

Price: 15-20

Review:

A bouquet of bright tropical fruit, floral suggestions, and sweet spice greets the senses.

The palate reveals flavors of pineapple, dried apricot, white-blossoms, graham cracker and vanilla. Somewhat round but still bright on the palate, it offers some interesting layers and welcoming fruit. Fans of more subtle vanilla in Chardonnays will enjoy this wine.

Rating: 89

Grape(s): Pinot Noir

Region: Monterey County

Year: 2008

Special Designation: Reliz Creek

Price: 15-20

Review:

Aromas of cherry and strawberry are accented by suggestions of earth, white pepper and rose petals on the nose. A sip offers flavors of red berries that come together with notes of vanilla, minerals, and spice. A light, fairly bright wine, fans of Pinots with a nice balance of fruit and earth will enjoy this bottle.

Rating: 89

Grape(s): Merlot

Region: Livermore Valley

Year: 2009

Special Designation: Sandstone

Price: 10-15

Review:

Dark fruit aromas combine with suggestions of vanilla and oak on the nose. Flavors of plum and blackberry emerge after a sip with accents of cherry-vanilla and oak. A fairly smooth red, with plush tannins, if you’re looking for a laid back everyday Merlot, this is a bottle to try.

Rating: 86

Grape(s): Cabernet

Region: Livermore Valley

Year: 2009

Special Designation: Southern Hills

Price: 10-15

Review:

Notes of blackberries, cassis, and plums meld with suggestions of oak and vanilla on the nose. A sip reveals flavors of cherry, bramble fruit, and plum with accents of oak and roast coffee. A nice, approachable Cab, if you’re looking for a solid everyday red, this is a bottle to try.

Rating: 87