2021 Arista Pinot Noir Joesph Swan Vineyard
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The 2021 Pinot Noir Joseph Swan Vineyard is the result of a trade between Arista and Joseph Swan Winery proprietor Rod Burgland; it's the only time another winery has made wine from the Joseph Swan Vineyard. Fruit comes from a block that was replanted in the 1990s, and it was made with 50% whole clusters and matured in 50% new oak. This rare wine stuns year after year, and the 2021 iteration is incredibly complex and age-worthy. It has detailed, slowly unfurling scents of blackberries, red cherries, salted licorice, juniper and charcuterie. The palate is seamlessly powerful. Its concentrated core of spicy fruit is structured by powdery tannins and vibrant acidity, and it has a tremendously long finish that continuously unfurls to reveal additional nuances. It will be long lived in bottle, and the only bad news is that just two barrels were made.
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James Suckling
Jeb Dunnuck
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A medium red color, the 2021 Pinot Noir Joseph Swan Vineyard comes from vines they have been getting from Rod Burglund of Joseph Swan Winery since 2017. Stylistically, this wine also pays homage in part to the spicy and lifted style of Joseph Swan and had 33% whole clusters added to the fermentations. On opening, it leads with notes of fresh redcurrants, mountain herbs, mint, and rocky earth. Medium-bodied, it delivers an elegant, bright feel with fine tannins, a stony texture, and a clean finish. It’s a refreshing and energetic wine to enjoy over the coming 10 or so years. Drink 2025-2035. 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.
So aromatic with blood oranges, flowers and hints of balsamic. Some rose stems and bark. Medium-bodied and firm with very fine tannins that are weightless and succulent. Unique. The grapes come from the Swan vineyard. Drink or hold.
The 2021 Pinot Noir Joseph Swan Vineyard is one of the most captivating wines in this range from Arista. Intensely aromatic and light on its feet, the Swan Pinot impresses with its exotic perfume and exquisite balance. Crushed red berries, orange peel, mint, cinnamon and dried leaves are all lifted in this sensual, beguiling Pinot. I loved it.