2016 Russian River Valley Chardonnay
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Tasting notes
Arista Winery was founded in 2002 by Al and Janis McWilliams but is run today by their sons Mark and Ben, who took over the reins in 2012. They’ve brought on board winemaker Matt Courtney, revamped vineyards, and renovated the cellar, all of which appears to have paid off as they’ve fashioned some of the top wines in this report. Readers looking for the next superstar estate are advised to get on the bandwagon. One of the larger production cuvées is the 2016 Chardonnay Russian River Valley and it comes from the Russian River Valley and spent a year in 20% new French oak. Its light gold color is followed by a beautiful bouquet of honeyed pineapple, white flowers, toasted hazelnuts, and brioche. This beauty is classic Russian River with an exuberant, boisterous, yet pure, and incredibly classy profile. It's ideal for drinking over the coming 4-5 years.
Critic scores
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Arista's 2016 Chardonnay (Russian River Valley) is rich, ample and beautifully resonant in the glass. Apricot, tangerine, white pepper, mint and lightly honeyed notes all grace this flamboyant, rich Chardonnay, which is a great introduction to the Arista wines. Vineyard sources are El Diablo, Ritchie and Banfield and the estate. All of the wines in this range are compelling, but the Russian River Valley Chardonnay is the under-the-radar gem.
The 2016 Chardonnay Russian River Valley opens with scents of beeswax, honey toast and toasted hazelnut with a core of citrus and white tree fruits. It's medium to full-bodied and very rich in the mouth with loads of honeyed fruits, tangy acidity and great texture to carry the long, savory finish. 1,078 cases produced.