Review: Wente 2024 Pacific Mist Pinot Grigio and 2022 Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon

No big prologue today. Here’s a pair of affordable offerings from California’s Wente, both made from Central Coast grapes:

2024 Wente Pacific Mist Pinot Grigio Central Coast – One of the mildest pinot grigios I’ve encountered in recent memory, this harmless wine offers a gentle pear note on the attack, chased by touches of honeysuckle. The body’s a little oily, though citrus notes temper it with some acidity. It’s a little astringent on the finish, even slightly industrial, but for the most part the wine is agreeable, particularly given its easygoing 13% abv presentation. B / $18

2022 Wente Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon Central Coast – Initially dusty and earthy, this comes across with entry-level cabernet vibes, though the wine throws open the doors soon enough, revealing a character that’s big on sweetened plums and darker fruits that land closer to raisins than currants. Chocolate on the finish is closer to dark than milk, making for a wine that is wholly inoffensive yet a bit blunt in its construction. B / $20

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