Sign In/Subscribe

Cristaldi Scores

Producer
Producer
More
Country
Country
More
Vintage
Vintage
More

Vintage

Wine

Color

Rating

Vintage

Wine

Color

Rating

2020

Wente Family Vineyards

Limited Release Meritage

A blend of 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, and 7% Cabernet Franc, with each variety fermented separately in small stainless steel tanks with pumpovers performed three times daily. The lots were aged individually for six months, then blended and aged for an additional eight months—spending time in 75% new French oak and 25% second- and third-use barrels. The nose is rich and layered, with dark fruits like cassis, black cherry, and black plum mingling with black licorice, savory black olive, and warm baking spices. Full-bodied with a super-smooth entry, the wine offers a robust, spicy mouthfeel that warms the palate while firm, well-integrated tannins promise excellent aging potential. 672 cases were produced. -JR

2020

Wente Family Vineyards

Nth Degree Cabernet Sauvignon

Fermented in small stainless steel tanks with pumpovers performed three times daily to maximize color and flavor extraction, this Cabernet Sauvignon was then aged for 22 months in new French oak barrels. Sourced from just two select vineyards, this represents Wente’s top-tier Cabernet offering in this vintage. The nose is intensely spicy and complex, with layered aromas of cinnamon, basil, cedar, tobacco leaf, and rich cassis. A silky entry gives way to a deeply expressive palate featuring black plums, black cherries, and a continuation of the tobacco note, all supported by a fine line of minerality. Hints of dried herbs add intrigue to the long, resonant finish. -JR

2020

Wente Family Vineyards

Nth Degree Syrah

It’s hard not to love a wine like Wente’s upper-tier Syrah. The nose unfolds in waves—black pepper, black raspberry, fig, smoke, and game—all seamlessly layered. On the palate, this full-bodied red delivers generous richness, with flavors of dried blueberry, ripe plum, and wild raspberry. Yet amid all the meaty depth and dark fruit, a surprising streak of minerality provides lift and balance, adding refinement to the wine’s bold, expressive character. -JR

2021

Wente Family Vineyards

Charles Wetmore Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Aged in a combination of new, second-, and third-use French oak barrels, this wine is named in honor of Charles Wetmore, California’s first agricultural commissioner and a key figure in the state’s viticultural legacy. The nose is complex and inviting, with notes of black olive, blackcurrant, cocoa, cedar, vanilla, and ripe plums. The medium- to full-bodied palate is spicy, soft, and seductive—an immensely tasty red that balances richness with approachability. -JR

2021

Wente Family Vineyards

Limited Release Cabernet Franc

This Cabernet Franc from Wente Vineyards was fermented in stainless steel tanks with pneumatage twice daily, then aged for 19 months in 60% new French oak and 40% used French oak barrels. The nose is irresistible—bursting with iron-scented minerality and a hint of charcuterie that frames juicy currant fruit. On entry, notes of crushed cocoa nibs unfold, supported by firm, sturdy tannins that build in intensity through the long, spicy, and complex finish. It beautifully showcases the noble, dark currant fruit and zesty acid freshness that Cabernet Franc can achieve in the Livermore Valley. A tremendous value.

2021

Wente Family Vineyards

Nth Degree Cabernet Sauvignon

Sourced from five distinct vineyards, the 2021 vintage of Wente’s top-shelf Cabernet Sauvignon reflects the benefits of a mild summer and extended growing season—yielding a layered, complex expression. The nose is a sensory cascade: black cherry, blackcurrant, cocoa powder, dried herbs, oak spice, licorice, and dark chocolate—almost too much to count. On the full-bodied palate, dark chocolate reemerges alongside rich black plum fruit, giving way to a sophisticated structure marked by polished tannins and impressive length. -JR

2023

Wente Family Vineyards

Limited Release Sauvignon Blanc

Wente’s 2023 Limited Release 100% Sauvignon Blanc comes from the Mel Vineyard, and is aged sur lie for six months in 10% new and 90% neutral French oak barrels. Just 21 barrels were produced of this electric and gratifying Sauvignon Blanc. Bright, clean citrus and orchard fruit leap from the glass, layered with subtle baking spice notes from extended lees contact. That character builds with spicy intensity on the medium-bodied palate, and the finish shows excellent focus and acid stamina—enough to carry a meal from aperitif hour through to dessert.

2023

Wente Family Vineyards

Small Lot Limited Release Chardonnay

Fermented in a combination of stainless-steel tanks and French oak barrels, this wine was aged sur lie for six months with regular stirring. The remaining portion was aged in neutral oak and stainless steel to preserve freshness. Sourced from Montpellier cuttings, it opens with inviting aromas of vanilla, yellow apple, biscuit, lemon drop, and jasmine. The medium-bodied palate offers a pleasing richness, balanced by a bright line of acidity. The finish is long and warming, with lingering notes of wood spice. -JR

2024

Wente Family Vineyards

Nicki's Rosé

Made from 100% estate-grown Pinot Noir in Arroyo Seco, this rosé underwent primary fermentation in stainless steel and did not go through malolactic fermentation. It was aged for two months in stainless steel to preserve vibrancy. Floral, perky, and fresh, this is a perfect springtime sipper. Aromas of passionfruit, mango skin, and wild strawberry lead into a medium-bodied palate featuring bright red berry flavors and a subtle hint of watermelon on the finish. -JR

Vintage

Wine

Type

Color

Rating

$

2020

Producer

Name

A blend of 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, and 7% Cabernet Franc, with each variety fermented separately in small stainless steel tanks with pumpovers performed three times daily. The lots were aged individually for six months, then blended and aged for an additional eight months—spending time in 75% new French oak and 25% second- and third-use barrels. The nose is rich and layered, with dark fruits like cassis, black cherry, and black plum mingling with black licorice, savory black olive, and warm baking spices. Full-bodied with a super-smooth entry, the wine offers a robust, spicy mouthfeel that warms the palate while firm, well-integrated tannins promise excellent aging potential. 672 cases were produced. -JR

2020

Producer

Name

Fermented in small stainless steel tanks with pumpovers performed three times daily to maximize color and flavor extraction, this Cabernet Sauvignon was then aged for 22 months in new French oak barrels. Sourced from just two select vineyards, this represents Wente’s top-tier Cabernet offering in this vintage. The nose is intensely spicy and complex, with layered aromas of cinnamon, basil, cedar, tobacco leaf, and rich cassis. A silky entry gives way to a deeply expressive palate featuring black plums, black cherries, and a continuation of the tobacco note, all supported by a fine line of minerality. Hints of dried herbs add intrigue to the long, resonant finish. -JR

2020

Producer

Name

It’s hard not to love a wine like Wente’s upper-tier Syrah. The nose unfolds in waves—black pepper, black raspberry, fig, smoke, and game—all seamlessly layered. On the palate, this full-bodied red delivers generous richness, with flavors of dried blueberry, ripe plum, and wild raspberry. Yet amid all the meaty depth and dark fruit, a surprising streak of minerality provides lift and balance, adding refinement to the wine’s bold, expressive character. -JR

2021

Producer

Name

Aged in a combination of new, second-, and third-use French oak barrels, this wine is named in honor of Charles Wetmore, California’s first agricultural commissioner and a key figure in the state’s viticultural legacy. The nose is complex and inviting, with notes of black olive, blackcurrant, cocoa, cedar, vanilla, and ripe plums. The medium- to full-bodied palate is spicy, soft, and seductive—an immensely tasty red that balances richness with approachability. -JR

2021

Producer

Name

This Cabernet Franc from Wente Vineyards was fermented in stainless steel tanks with pneumatage twice daily, then aged for 19 months in 60% new French oak and 40% used French oak barrels. The nose is irresistible—bursting with iron-scented minerality and a hint of charcuterie that frames juicy currant fruit. On entry, notes of crushed cocoa nibs unfold, supported by firm, sturdy tannins that build in intensity through the long, spicy, and complex finish. It beautifully showcases the noble, dark currant fruit and zesty acid freshness that Cabernet Franc can achieve in the Livermore Valley. A tremendous value.

2021

Producer

Name

Sourced from five distinct vineyards, the 2021 vintage of Wente’s top-shelf Cabernet Sauvignon reflects the benefits of a mild summer and extended growing season—yielding a layered, complex expression. The nose is a sensory cascade: black cherry, blackcurrant, cocoa powder, dried herbs, oak spice, licorice, and dark chocolate—almost too much to count. On the full-bodied palate, dark chocolate reemerges alongside rich black plum fruit, giving way to a sophisticated structure marked by polished tannins and impressive length. -JR

2023

Producer

Name

Wente’s 2023 Limited Release 100% Sauvignon Blanc comes from the Mel Vineyard, and is aged sur lie for six months in 10% new and 90% neutral French oak barrels. Just 21 barrels were produced of this electric and gratifying Sauvignon Blanc. Bright, clean citrus and orchard fruit leap from the glass, layered with subtle baking spice notes from extended lees contact. That character builds with spicy intensity on the medium-bodied palate, and the finish shows excellent focus and acid stamina—enough to carry a meal from aperitif hour through to dessert.

2023

Producer

Name

Fermented in a combination of stainless-steel tanks and French oak barrels, this wine was aged sur lie for six months with regular stirring. The remaining portion was aged in neutral oak and stainless steel to preserve freshness. Sourced from Montpellier cuttings, it opens with inviting aromas of vanilla, yellow apple, biscuit, lemon drop, and jasmine. The medium-bodied palate offers a pleasing richness, balanced by a bright line of acidity. The finish is long and warming, with lingering notes of wood spice. -JR

2024

Producer

Name

Made from 100% estate-grown Pinot Noir in Arroyo Seco, this rosé underwent primary fermentation in stainless steel and did not go through malolactic fermentation. It was aged for two months in stainless steel to preserve vibrancy. Floral, perky, and fresh, this is a perfect springtime sipper. Aromas of passionfruit, mango skin, and wild strawberry lead into a medium-bodied palate featuring bright red berry flavors and a subtle hint of watermelon on the finish. -JR

Vintage

Wine

Type

Rating

$

2020

2020 Wente Family Vineyards Limited Release Meritage

Still Wine

$$

2020

2020 Wente Family Vineyards Nth Degree Cabernet Sauvignon

Still Wine

$$$

2020

2020 Wente Family Vineyards Nth Degree Syrah

Still Wine

$$

2021

2021 Wente Family Vineyards Charles Wetmore Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Still Wine

$

2021

2021 Wente Family Vineyards Limited Release Cabernet Franc

Still Wine

$

2021

2021 Wente Family Vineyards Nth Degree Cabernet Sauvignon

Still Wine

$$$

2023

2023 Wente Family Vineyards Limited Release Sauvignon Blanc

Still Wine

$

2023

2023 Wente Family Vineyards Small Lot Limited Release Chardonnay

Still Wine

$

2024

2024 Wente Family Vineyards Nicki’s Rosé

Still Wine

$

MAILING LIST

The only email you want to open

  • Podcast Drops
  • New Reports
  • Latest Scores