2020 Chardonnay UV El Diablo Vineyard
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The 2020 Chardonnay U.V. El Diablo Vineyard shows real inner strength, naturally in the lighter style of the year. Dried herbs, stone, orchard fruit and chamomile bring out the more savory, mineral side of Sonoma Coast Chardonnay. This is very fine for the year.
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The Wine Advocate
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Taking on a bit sunnier and riper profile, the 2020 Chardonnay El Diablo Vineyard is rounded with aromas of pine, ripe apple, and incense. Full-bodied, with fleshy orchard fruit of ripe peach, orange oil, and fresh herbs. It offers a lot of complexity and richness without feeling heavy. It has a bit of pithy texture, notes of soft stone and cantaloupe, and a long finish. I love its fresh style, but it will continue to improve over the coming 6-8 years. 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. He holds back an additional year in bottle for both wineries before release. Thus, the most recent coverage is for the 2020 vintage, where they made the difficult decision to only produce white wines due to the impact of the fires.
The 2020 Chardonnay UV - El Diablo Vineyard is extraordinarily impressive, particularly given the multitude of challenges this vintage. It was matured for 12 months in 33% new French oak and finished with six months in stainless steel. The nose is complex and pure with continually evolving scents of white peach, panna cotta, lime peel, coriander seed and floral perfume. The palate is luxurious and satiny with a harmony of expansive, perfumed fruit and focused acidity, and its very long, energetic finish is addicting. No reason to lay this down—enjoy it over the next 3-5+ years. 350 cases were made.
The 2020 Chardonnay UV - El Diablo Vineyard is extraordinarily impressive, particularly given the multitude of challenges this vintage. It was matured for 12 months in 33% new French oak and finished with six months in stainless steel. The nose is complex and pure with continually evolving scents of white peach, panna cotta, lime peel, coriander seed and floral perfume. The palate is luxurious and satiny with a harmony of expansive, perfumed fruit and focused acidity, and its very long, energetic finish is addicting. No reason to lay this down—enjoy it over the next 3-5+ years. 350 cases were made.