Looking Through the Morning Fog

Looking back on my wine notes from 2012, I missed this wonderful Chardonnay from Wente Vineyards.  Better late than never, although they are now on their 2011 vintage, you might be able to find the 2010 in the stores.

Wente is located in the Livermore Valley which is the East side of San Francisco. This wine is named "Morning Fog" because of the climate of region where they are located.  During the summer the San Francisco fog flows inland and forms along the East Bay Hills.  In the Livermore Valley the fog banks travel further east cooling the air as it travels.  This creates a Marine climate and it's what makes the Livermore Valley a great place for growing wine grapes.

Aromas of tropical fruit, and citrus fill the glass.  Hints of butterscotch and vanilla follow with lemon cream.

On the palate the wine showed honeydew melon, soft delicate pear leading the way to green apple and tropical notes.  The wine had subtle oak and was nicely balanced.

I paired this with a nice dinner of grilled shrimp and corn.

The SRP for the wine is between $12 and $14.  A great buy.