Livermore, California, United States
Founded in 1883, Wente Vineyards is the oldest continuously-operated, family-owned winery in the country; owned and managed by the fourth and fifth generations of the Wente family. Located just east of San Francisco in the historic Livermore Valley, Wente Vineyards is recognized as one of California's premier wine country destinations. The winery draws from nearly 3,000 acres of Estate vineyards in the Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay and Arroyo Seco, Monterey appellations to create an outstanding portfolio of fine wines.
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Riva Ranch Vineyard Pinot Noir
| SKU | None |
| Country | United States |
| Region | Monterey, CA |
| Type | Red |
| Varietal | Pinot Noir |
| Listing | |
| Case Config. | 12x750ml |
| Available In | BC AB SK MB |
Colour
Light garnet red.
Aroma
This Pinot Noir has aromas of cherry, strawberry and vanilla, with hints of toasted oak, earth and cigar box.
Flavour
Shows flavours of black cherry and vanilla, undertones of earth and spice are followed by a long fruity finish.
Food Pairing
Grilled pork chop, bbq ribs and filet mignon.
More Info
This wine was previously known as Reliz Creek Pinot Noir. From the 2012 vintage onwards, Wente has changed the name to reflect the single vineyard origins. Since the early 1960's, Wente Vineyards has been growing Pinot Noir in the Arroyo Seco region of Monterey. This wine was named after the creek that runs through the Estate vineyards. Arroyo Seco is the ideal region to grow this Burgundian varietal because of the long, cool growing season, which allows the grapes to fully ripen and develop deep fruit flavors. The gravelly-loam soils found here, rich with shale and limestone deposits, impart desirable earthy and mineral qualities to the wine. There are several blocks dating back to 1963, which are planted with the old Pommard and Martini clones. Neighboring these are much more recent, high-density plantings that include a variety of new clones. All of the fruit is hand picked and sorted.
The Tasting Panel, Feb/2024
2021 -
"This wine's vivid flavours and scintillating mouthfeel continue to elevate Riva Ranch Pinot Noir's reputation. Wild cherry, red beet, and Italian herbs circle around the long finish, revealing graceful balance."
Wine Enthusiast, Mar/2024
2021 -
"Quite light in the glass, this bottling begins with herbal aromas of incense and bay leaf that enliven the black raspberry core of the nose. Juicy strawberry flavors are lifted by clove, incense and oak on the palate." - Matt Kettmann
James Suckling, Jan/2024
2021 -
"Cherries, forest berries, raspberries and sweet spices on the nose following through to a medium body with sleek tannins. Round and fruit-forward with a succulent and crunchy finish. Drink or hold."
Decanter World Wine Awards 2024
2021 -
"Inviting nose of soft red fruit, mushroom and forest floor; herb, spice, liquorice and fresh acidity on the palate."
The Drinks Business Magazine, Mar/2024
2020 -
Ben Sigurdson, Winnipeg Free Press, Oct/2022
2020 -
"This single-vineyard Pinot Noir, sourced from the relatively cool-climate Monterey region, delivers plum, cherry, wet earth and savoury spice notes on the nose. It’s light-plus-bodied and dry, with tart cherry and raspberry flavours coming with plum and earthy notes, medium acidity, lighter tannins and a slightly warm finish (it’s 14 per cent alcohol). Decidedly New World in style, it never gets overly jammy or or hot, and manages to retain some elegance."
Decanter World Wine Awards 2023
2020 -
"Black tea and floral aromas on the nose with sweet cherry notes. Peppery and savoury palate."
Ben Sigurdson, Winnipeg Free Press, Jul/2024
2020 -
"Pale garnet in colour, this single-vineyard Pinot Noir offers lovely ripe cherry aromas as well as earth, raspberry candy, spice and subtle vanilla notes (from 11 months in oak, mostly older barrels). It’s dry and light-bodied, and flavour-wise isn’t as intense as some California Pinot Noir; rather, it delivers fresh cherry and earthy flavours along with plum, white pepper and spice, all wrapped in light tannins. The alcohol is a touch warm at 14 per cent, but on the whole it’s a lovely, relatively restrained Pinot from a cooler region in the Golden State. 4/5"
Wine Enthusiast, Dec/2020
2018 -
"Ripe aromas of blistered cherries, clove, star anise and dusty earth show on the nose of this single-vineyard expression. There's a pleasant herbal spice to the palate, where taut red-plum, pomegranate, hibiscus and cinnamon flavors lead into a structurally significant finish."
Natalie McLean, May/2019
2016 -
"A silky, smooth, medium-bodied, cool-climate Cali Pinot that was aged in French oak. Pair with veal."
The Tasting Panel, Jul/2019
2016 -
"This single-vineyard Pinot Noir is sourced exclusively from the family’s own property, where a long, cool growing season and gravelly loam soils add character to the variety. Seven different clones are farmed to make up the complexity of the wine’s flavors and texture. Each is fermented separately in stainless steel, with twice-daily pumpovers; each lot is also aged separately for 16 months in French oak and then blended together. On the nose, spiced rhubarb, bramble, and red tea take shape. A nice body weight gives depth to layers of chocolate-cherry, cranberry, cinnamon, and a hint of new leather. White pepper and earthy gravel undertones tie it all together."
Wine Enthusiast, Sept/2019
2016 -
"Candied red cherry, clove and oak smoke converge for a very accessible and inviting nose on this bottling from the historic family's estate. Pomegranate flavors meet with oak and vanilla bean on the palate, which is framed by chalky and sticky tannins."
Gismondi on Wine, Nov/2018
2014 -
"Wow how delicious is this? The Wente Riva Ranch is sourced exclusively from the family’s vineyard in Arroyo Seco, Monterey. Arroyo Seco’s long, cool growing season is ideal for pinot noir as are the gravelly-loam soils rich in shale and limestone deposits. Add to that old vines and eight different clones (Pommard, Martini, 114, 115, 667, 777, 828, and 77) and you have a winning combo. Dominated by the Pommard and Martini clones this wine, with its dry, dark fruit, jumps from the glass. The fruit is spicy black cherry with a black tea undertone flecked with brown spices. Lively and silky, this has wide appeal. It was simply aged for 16 months in 50 percent new French oak and 50 percent neutral oak barrels. Serve with a fire-grilled pork or a favourite duck dish."
Los Angeles International Wine Awards June 2016
2014 -
Silver Medal
Indy International Wine Competition, Aug/2016
2014 -
Double Gold
San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition 2018
2014 -
Silver Medal