Arista - Chardonnay El Diablo Vineyard 2021 (750ml)
Price: $99.00
| Producer | Arista |
| Country | USA |
| Region | California |
| Subregion | Russian River Valley |
| Varietal | Chardonnay |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Sku | 8519 |
| Size | 750ml |
Arista Winery was founded in 2002 by Al and Jancis McWilliams with the intent of producing small quantities of quality Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from The Russian River Valley District . The day to day operations are now run by their sons Mark and Ben. Matt Courtney, formerly at Marcassin from 2005 to 2012 and now also with his own wines at Ferren, is the winemaker here.
The estate’s vineyards comprise 36 acres of land just outside Healdsburg in the heart of the Russian River Valley known as the Middle Reach. Of this, nine acres are planted to Pinot Noir and one to Chardonnay, the vines having been selected form some of the best vines in the region to give diversity and quality.
In addition, Arista sources fruit from a number of growers – including Steve Alden’s Perli Vineyard on the Mendocino Coast , Chardonnay from Kent Ritchie’s Ritchie Vineyard, the Kanzler family’s 15 acre vineyard on the western edge of the Russian River Valley, Pinot Noir from Paul and Amy Mononi’s vineyard near Olivet Road on the region’s eastern edge and from the Toboni family’s site in the heart of the Valley. In addition there are old vines planted Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the Mark and Kim Demptster’s cool Banfield Vineyard and two vineyards owned by the Valdez family – Chardonnay from El Diablo and Pinot Noir from Lucky Well.
From these sources Arista produces what they call ‘Appellation” Wines – a Russian River Chardonnay and a Pinot Noir, plus single vineyard wines , of which the best known is the Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay, plus two Pinots wines from their own vineyards, bottled as “Two Birds” and Harper’s Rest.
James Suckling: 97 Points
Lots of grape skin subtle lemon curd and custard. Honey and blossom notes. Medium-bodied with a very tight palate and lovely depth and focus. There?s tension and clarity in the extremely long racy and intense finish. A blend of Wente and Montrachet clones. Drink or hold.
jsWine Advocate: 95 Points
The 2021 Chardonnay UV - El Diablo Vineyard from vines planted by Ulises Valdez in powdery Goldridge soils is an incredible Chardonnay that combines shimmery energy with depth and opulence. Peach and quince fruit are accented by nuances of Greek yogurt beeswax panna cotta and flaky pastry aromas on the nose. The palate is satiny and expansive radiating layers of peachy fruit and honey through the mouth. Its natural richness is structured by a focused spine of acidity and it has a tremendously long finish. Published: Oct 10 2024
Wine Spectator: 94 Points
This perfectly harmonious version's lovely seamless mix of buttery pastry brown sugar and grilled pineapple flavors mingles with notes of quince peach preserves and candied orange peel. Elegant acidity weaves in and out giving the flavors focus and momentum on the long lingering finish. Drink now. ?M.W.
