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Small Lot

2005 Arroyo Seco Chardonnay

The Wente Vineyards Small Lot Chardonnay from the 2005 vintage showcases the delightful characteristics of the Arroyo Seco region. This wine boasts a medium-bodied profile, offering a perfect balance of richness and freshness. Its bright acidity delivers a refreshing lift, invigorating the palate with every sip. The fruit intensity is prominent, presenting an appealing array of luscious notes, including ripe pear and green apple, complemented by subtle hints of citrus and toasty oak. With well-integrated tannins that provide structure without overwhelming, this wine is classified as dry, accentuating its clean and elegant finish. Overall, the Wente Vineyards Small Lot Chardonnay is a remarkable example of California winemaking, reflecting the region's unique terroir.

Tasting notes:


Vanilla

Vanilla

Baking Spice

Baking Spice

Butter

Butter

Flavor profile:


Acidity Medium

Low Pronounced

Body Medium

Very Light Full

Fruit Intensity Medium

Low Pronounced

Sweetness Dry

Bone Dry Sweet

Region:


Arroyo Seco

Lying in the middle of the Salinas Valley, the under-appreciated Arroyo Seco AVA is a beacon of cool-climate winemaking in Monterey County. Its vineyards—especially those to the east—are buffeted for much of the day by cold Pacific winds and shrouded by fog. This combines to give Arroyo Seco an extremely long growing season. Soils throughout the AVA are stony, and these stones absorb sunlight to provide additional heat to the vines. While winemakers face a challenging growing environment, the effort is worth it, as the area produces superbly balanced Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling; intriguing Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon perform well in the western part of the AVA.

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