Morning Fog Chardonnay

Wine Enthusiast, Dec/2024

2023 -

"Broad aromas of pear, honeydew and cantaloupe draw the nose into this freshly styled bottling. There is ample tension to the palate, where those melon flavors are layered in light coconut and jasmine elements. " - Matt Kettmann

The Tasting Panel, Sep/2024

2023 -

"A creamy wash of toasted brioche settles on the palate as perky acidity livens up notes of lemon sorbet, white tea, and fresh melon."

Wine Spectator, Nov/2024

2023 -

"Vibrant and expressive, with a terrific mix of nutmeg-scented pear, Fuji apple and peach flavors that are delicate and precise but not shy on concentration and generosity. Sleek, precise acidity and hints of lemon meringue linger on the finish. Drink now."

Gismondi on Wine, Oct/2024

2023 -

"Morning Fog has been a consistently solid offering from the Livermore Valley that opens with green apple freshness born among the morning fog that drifts across the San Francisco Bay and pushes into the Livermore Valley. The fog is a sunscreen in the day and an acid fixer at night. Look for fresh floral, sweet cream, and buttery notes offset by fresher green apples and tropical pineapple with a splash of vanilla in the finish. I like this wine with West Coast Dungeness crab or a lemon stuffed roasted chicken."

The Tasting Panel, Nov/2023

2022 -

"Nectarine, peach blossom, and chamomile generously spread across the palate. Midpalate notes of papaya and gardenia develop into a tropical paradise, followed by a caress of vanilla custard on the balanced finish."

Daenna Van Mulligen, winescores.ca, Nov/2023

2022 -

"Approachable, expressive, zesty. A consistent crowd favourite, the approachable Wente suggests sweet pineapple and honey, butterscotch and lemon with acacia blossoms and a hint of nuts. The palate echos the nose, it is juicy and expressive but not overdone or too fleshy. Approachable, balanced and bright with a nice long finish."

Wine Enthusiast, Mar/2024

2022 -

BEST BUY "Lively aromas of jasmine and pineapple are tropical, yet show restraint on the nose of this bottling. Those tropical elements add flavors of coconut and plumeria on the palate, as the vibrant acidity causes the wine to dance across the tongue."

James Suckling, Jan/2024

2022 -

"A haze of marzipan-like aroma and green spices from the wood before notes of ripe, sliced apples and waxed lemons come through. Medium to full body with some roasted almond and fennel in the center palate. Fresh, with moderate acidity and a phenolic, oak-spiced finish. Drink now."

Wine Spectator, Jul/2024

2022 -

No. 40, WINE SPECTATOR'S TOP 100 WINES OF 2024 "This finds a remarkable balance between juicy lemon and pineapple flavors and notes of spice and toast, which show a touch of vanilla paste. The harmony between these elements really sings on the fresh, vibrant finish. Drink now." - MaryAnn Worobiec

Decanter World Wine Awards 2024

2022 -

The Tasting Panel, Jul/2022

2021 -

"Following a good streak of acidity and notes of toasted coconut, banana, lychee, and honeysuckle, flavours of green apple and toasted cinnamon alight on the finish." 

James Suckling, May/2023

2021 -

"Notes of ripe pears, lemon zest, honeysuckle and pie crust. Full and creamy on the palate with round texture and an attractive stone fruit character. Lengthy finish. Drink or hold. Screw cap."

Wine Enthusiast, Oct/2022

2021 -

"There's a steely edge to the pear, apple and crisp pineapple aromas on the nose of this bottling. The palate sizzles with acidity and offers a touch of grip, with key lime pie flavors most prevalent."

Daenna Van Mulligen, Winescores.ca, Nov/2022

2021 -

"A crowd favourite, the approachable Wente offers notes of grilled lemon peel, burnt sugar, coriander, toasted spice and yellow apples. Spiced caramel and lemons, roasted pecan and vague herbal notes describe the palate. It has weight and balance and a toasty finish."

Decanter World Wine Awards 2023

2021 -

"Floral aromas of jasmine with notes of aromatic herbs, nectarine and wet stones. Oily texture."

The Tasting Panel, Jan/2022

2020 -

"Light and breezy, with gorgeous aromatics of stone fruit and honeysuckle. Pineapple and peach tones are clean and the liquid is crisp, with vanilla drizzled white flower petals and green apple."

Natalie MacLean, Feb/2022

2020 -

"A lovely, full-bodied, rich Californian white wine made from the state's iconic Chardonnay grape. Aromas of toasted almond, green apple and freshly baked bread. Pair with roast chicken or turkey."

Food & Wine Magazine, Mar/2022

2020 -

"A perennial value buy from one of the earliest wineries to plant Chardonnay in California (back in the 19th century), this golden-hued wine is creamy, with melon and vanilla notes."

Decanter World Wine Awards 2022

2020 -

"Refreshing, bright, balanced. Notes of lemon, yellow peach, honeysuckle and subtle toast on the nose and palate. Lovely mid-palate texture and fresh acidity."

Decanter Magazine, Dec/2020

2019 -

"Lifted tropical nose with a hint of rose petals. Orange blossom on the palate with a touch of sweet spices, buttery dab. Succulent finish, refreshing."

James Suckling, Oct/2021

2019 -

"Ripe apricots, nectarines, lemon pith, toast and vanilla on the nose. It’s full-bodied with a creamy texture and a weighty core of ripe stone fruit. Lingering vanilla. Drink now. Screw cap."

Wine Enthusiast, Apr/2020

2018 -

Editors' Choice "This is a ripe and lush wine that stays well balanced and refreshing while offering plenty of plump pear, cream and baking spice flavors. A good streak of acidity lifts the mouthfeel and positions the fruit flavors front and center."

Steve Thurlow, Wine Align, Nov/2020

2018 -

Top 50 Best Values Nov 2020 "The 2018 of this estate grown chardonnay from the often foggy Livermore Valley is a creamy, velvety smooth chardonnay. The complex nose shows mild oak spice and vanilla with peach and custard and lemon aromas with some ripe pear fruit. It is midweight and ripe, a touch sweet but stylish with fine balancing acidity. Well balanced with very good to excellent length. Tasted November 2020."

San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition 2020

2018 -

Gold Medal

Chardonnay du Monde ® of the World 2020

2018 -

Top 10 Best Chardonnay of the world

James Suckling, May/2019

2017 -

"Citrus rind, green apples, bread crust and fresh herbs. Medium-bodied with crunchy acidity and a bright finish. Drink now."

The Tasting Panel, Jul/2019

2017 -

"Due to its east-west orientation, Livermore Valley experiences morning fog pushed by Pacific wind streams through the San Francisco Bay. This wine is fermented in half stainless steel and half neutral French, American, and Eastern European oak barrels. The barreled portion is then aged sur lie for seven months, as is half of the unoaked wine; the other half is racked clean, and 2% Gewürztraminer is added to the final blend. Scents of creamy stone fruit and sweet summer corn offer a clue to the wine’s sumptuous body. Chamomile, pear, and vanilla pudding are rich, with a backdrop of river rock that permeates the “fog” and imparts salinity on the tongue. Tangerine, caramel, and apple are in range with a fine acidity. 91"

Decanter Magazine, Sept/2017

2016 -

Highly Recommended "Aromas of peach skin and musk while the palate shows fresh melon and fig. Distinct minerality on top of underripe pineapple and vanilla cream."

Carolyn Evans Hammond, Toronto Star, Apr/2018

2016 -

"A chilled glass of Chardonnay laced with the vanilla scent of American oak tastes classically Californian to me, and this refined version offers outstanding value. It swathes the palate with creamy-crisp flavours of best-ever lemon meringue pie followed by a resonant finish of toasted coconut and vanilla. And the structure is perfectly balanced, giving the wine an elegant, well-toned character that feels seamless in the mouth — rather than too angular or heavy. It’s a smart pre-dinner drink, especially with few salted potato chips or a bit of smoked salmon pâté on crackers. Plus, it carries through dinner with ease, pairing well with fish, seafood or poultry. Score: 92"

Natalie MacLean, Jan/2018

2016 -

"A lovely, full-bodied, rich Californian white wine made from the state's iconic Chardonnay grape. Aromas of toasted almond, green apple and freshly baked bread. Pair with roast chicken or turkey."

Beppi Crosariol, The Globe and Mail, Jan/2018

2016 -

“Full, ripe and classically Californian, yet with fresh, modern style acidity. Tropical fruit, toasty oak and a drop of vanilla in admirable balance. Available in Ontario and the above price, $19.49 in British Columbia, various prices in Alberta, $18.99 in Manitoba, $18.65 in Quebec, $20.99 in Prince Edward island.”

Gismondi on Wine, Oct/2017

2016 -

"Morning Fog is as consistent as the morning fog in the East Bay that cools the vineyards that are home to this wine. Expect a fresh, spicy, floral honeyed nose with a touch of fresh apple core. The attack is a citrus, nutty lees affair with bits of green apple, guava and pear with more citrus poking through the finish. Clams are a good fit here."

Wine Enthusiast, May/2017

2015 -

Editor's Choice "Lightly minty and peachy in aroma, this wine also delivers rich butter, vanilla and pear flavors and a smooth texture on the palate. A butterscotch note lingers on the finish."

Gismondi on Wine, Mar/2021

"Wente’s Livermore Chardonnay is never flashy but sufficiently fresh and modern, thanks to the morning fog that drifts across the East Bay, keeping the vineyards cool into the late morning, and returning late in the afternoon. It opens with light, spicy floral notes, green apples, and pear, with a dusting of honey that carries through to a toasted oak and vanilla finish. Fresh steamed clams or cracked Dungeness crab are a fine match. It is mercifully finished under screwcap."

Ben McPhee-Sigurdson, Winnipeg Free Press, Jul/2017

2016 -

"Wente 2016 Morning Fog Chardonnay(Livermore Valley/San Francisco Bay, Calif. — $18.99, Liquor Marts and beyond)This California Chardonnay brings aromas of ripe red apples and pears, lemon zest, peach and a chalky note. On the medium-bodied palate the red apple and lemon flavours dominate, with underlying notes of ripe pear and chalkiness. Half of the wine was aged in older, neutral oak barrels, which adds some richness to the texture as well as modest vanilla and caramel flavours. 3.5 stars"

Los Angeles International Wine Competition 2017

2015 -

Gold Medal

Natalie MacLean, Jan/2017

2015 -

Best Value “A gorgeous, rich Californian Chardonnay from the cool climate of the Livermore Valley. Toasty oak wraps around green apple goodness. Perfect for roast chicken or turkey. Chardonnay food pairings: grilled maple glazed salmon, chicken picatta, seafood pasta with saffron cream sauce, roasted pork tenderloin with apple chutney.”

MUNDUS VINI 2017 - Spring Tasting

2015 -

GOLD & Best of Show US White

WineAlign, Sep/2016

2015 -

"Wente first brought Chardonnay to Livermore in 1912, and released the first varietally-labelled chardonnay in the U.S in 1936. Since then the ‘Wente clone’ of chardonnay has spread around the world. Today Karl Wente represents the 5th generation of his family making wine in California. Wente Chardonnay is a Californian classic. It is tempting to call it ‘typical’ but actually it is not: too often typical Californian chardonnay is one-dimensional and obvious. This is something more distinctive, plush and rich, ripe and juicy, with plenty of tropical fruit, subtly-buttressed by oak. The wine is half fermented in neutral American oak, with the remainder in stainless making for a good balance of vanilla and tang. There is a good dollop of leesy character too, giving a satisfying pastry weight. Old school California in the best possible way – big, outgoing and generous. For a steal. Last tasted August 2016."

Daenna Van Mulligen, Winescores.ca, May/2017

2015 -

“Approachable, tropical, zesty. A crowd favourite, the approachable Wente offers loads of tropical fruit rolled in vanilla caramels with lemon curd, tangerine, and honeysuckle notes. Pineapple, sweet orange slices and honey lead the palate; it has an attractive weight with a complimentary zesty character. Pair: jalapeno cornbread, chicken salad, grilled smoked gouda panini or creamy pastas.”

Wine Align, Sep/2016

2015 -

20 Under $20 "The Wente family is deeply embedded in the history of California, and the 2015 Morning Fog is a perennial solid gold best buy. Have with simple baked chicken and garlic mashies for weekday dinner."

San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition 2017

2015 -

Silver Medal

Alameda County Wine Competition, Jun/2016

2015 -

Gold Medal