2023 Wente Morning Fog Chardonnay

2023 Wente “Morning Fog” Chardonnay captures the cool, coastal character of Arroyo Seco in a beautifully balanced, modern California white. Named after the marine layer that rolls in from Monterey Bay, this wine marries bright fruit with subtle oak to deliver depth without heaviness. It’s a benchmark expression of California Chardonnay from one of the state’s true pioneers of the grape.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2023 Morning Fog Chardonnay shows a clear, pale straw hue with glints of green, hinting at its freshness and vibrant acidity. The nose opens with zesty aromas of lemon zest, lime and green apple, layered with white peach, a touch of pear, and gentle notes of vanilla, toasted oak and a faint hint of baking spice. On the palate, this Chardonnay is medium-bodied and finely poised, combining juicy citrus and crisp green apple with a subtle creaminess from time on the lees. Hints of ripe stone fruit, vanilla, and a light toasty nuance from barrel fermentation are framed by a lively, natural acidity and a persistent, chalky minerality that reflects Arroyo Seco’s stony soils. The finish is long, clean and refreshing, making it as suitable for casual sipping as it is for the dinner table. Enjoy now for its vibrant fruit, with the potential to evolve gracefully over the next 3–5 years, gaining a touch more roundness and complexity.

Production
Sourced from cool-climate vineyards in the Arroyo Seco region of Monterey, the 2023 Morning Fog Chardonnay benefits from rocky, well-drained soils and the constant cooling influence of Pacific breezes funneled through the Salinas Valley. Grapes are picked with freshness and natural acidity in mind, preserving the bright, coastal character of the fruit. Approximately half of the wine is barrel-fermented in neutral American oak, where it is aged for several months with regular bâtonnage (lees stirring) to build texture and complexity without overpowering oak flavors. The remaining portion is fermented in stainless steel to lock in crisp, pure fruit character; half of this stainless-steel component rests on the lees for added mouthfeel, while the other half is racked clean to emphasize vibrant aromatics. The final blend brings together these components, striking a fine balance between freshness, creaminess and gentle oak spice.

Food & Serving
This Chardonnay is a versatile partner at the table, pairing beautifully with dishes such as grilled or roasted chicken, seared scallops, shrimp pasta, crab cakes, and creamy seafood chowders. It also complements richer vegetarian fare like mushroom risotto, butternut squash ravioli, or roasted root vegetables with herb butter. Serve well-chilled but not icy, ideally around 9–11°C (48–52°F), to allow the full range of aromas and textures to show. Decanting is not necessary, but giving the wine a few minutes in the glass to open up will enhance its citrus, stone fruit and subtle oak nuances.

Producer
Wente Vineyards is widely recognized as America’s oldest continuously family-owned winery, founded in 1883 and now guided by the fourth and fifth generations of the Wente family. Based in California’s Livermore Valley with key vineyards also in the San Francisco Bay and Arroyo Seco, Monterey appellations, Wente has played a pivotal role in shaping the style and reputation of California Chardonnay—most notably through its historic Chardonnay clone that forms the backbone of many of the state’s top wines. The estate is fully committed to sustainable viticulture, with 100% of its vineyards certified sustainable, and it has garnered international respect for combining heritage and innovation. Morning Fog Chardonnay stands as one of Wente’s signature wines, showcasing the family’s long-standing expertise with the variety and its deep connection to California’s coastal terroirs.

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