2021 Arista Pinot Noir UV Vineyard

The 2021 Pinot Noir UV-Lucky Well Vineyard also takes its name from the initials of the late Ulisis Valdez and is composed of all heritage clones planted near Silver Eagle on the western edge of the Russian River Valley. The vineyard sits between 700-900 feet at the top of that ridge, both looking west into the Pacific and east into the Russian River Valley. It offers a fantastic aromatic profile on the nose with layered, rich notes of wild mixed berries, brambly herbs, pine, violets, and citrus oils. While it’s medium-bodied, it offers great depth and has a chiseled structure with ripe tannins, coiled tension, and lasting notes of brambly spice on the long finish. Built for the long haul, this highly structured Pinot Noir will have a good deal of longevity and improve with time if stored in cool cellars. Drink 2026-2046. Located in the heart of the Russian River Valley, Arista Winery was founded in 2002 by Al and Janis McWilliams, who handed over day-to-day operations to their children, Mark and Ben, in 2012. Today, the winemaking is overseen by esteemed winemaker Matt Courtney, who spent eight years with Marcassin. Additionally, Matt makes wines under his own label, Ferren, and as of this year, Volterre, which readers will find in this report. He holds back an additional year in bottle for both wineries before release. This year, we see the return of the Pinot Noirs in the range, after the estate made the difficult decision not to produce any reds in 2020 due to the effects of the fires. In the cellar, all of the wines are barrel fermented, and fermentation is started with native yeast.

Dark color. Lots of black cherry, umami, pine resin, oyster shell, wild berry and iodine aromas. Unique and full-bodied with powdery tannins that get firm. Tees this up nicely. Most likely heritage clones. Drinkable but will age nicely. Drink or hold.

The 2021 Pinot Noir U.V. Vineyard is one of the more exuberant wines in the range, although the house style today favors less opulence than it did just a few short years ago. Blue/purplish fruit, cloves, leather, licorice, incense and mocha are beautifully kicked up. The interplay of textural richness and energy is compelling.