I find it odd that the Chardonnay article of July 2022 fails to mention Wente Vineyards. Most, if not all, of the folks on the front cover owe their Chard vines to the six-generation wine making family, since 80% of CA Chard is derived from their clone. Not to mention, that for the price, widely distributed, Wente Riva Ranch, of any vintage, is a very decent wine. Maybe they should charge more. Ron Watkins St. Louis, MO
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It didn't bother me, actually. Historically, WS has not given high marks (>90 pts) to Wente chardonnay. With respect to the Wente clones, I suppose the article could have mentioned it. By the same token, a lot of Riesling producers in the Finger Lakes have relied on Wiemer's grafts and clones, but rarely is that mentioned in any summary of FLX wines.
I am quite puzzled how Wine Spectator left Michael Chellini of Stony Hill off its cover.
