2018 Winery Pinot Noir Joseph Swan Vineyard Russian River Valley
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Tasting notes
The 2018 Pinot Noir Joseph Swan Vineyard from Arista is the second iteration of this cuvée and the only time another winery has used fruit from the Joseph Swan vineyard. "I finally worked up the courage to ask Rod Burgland if he'd trade me some fruit," Arista proprietor Mark McWilliams says. "The original Swan estate was planted in 1968, and cuttings from those vines were used for replanting in the 1990s. This comes from that original block that was replanted." It has a unique expression this vintage, with incredible concentration and layering. Medium to deep ruby-purple in color, it has flamboyant scents of cranberry sauce, rhubarb and even blueberries and blood orange, with layers of exotic spice. The intensity of flavor in the mouth is unrivaled, supported by an abundance of silty tannins and fresh flavors that seem to go on forever. Very little was made, but if you have the chance to procure this cuvée, don't hesitate!
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Ratcheting up the quality level, the 2018 Pinot Noir Joseph Swan Vineyard reveals a slightly deeper ruby, yet still translucent color to go with a gorgeous nose of bright red and blue fruits intermixed with lots of peppery herbs, wildflowers, and scorched earth. Hitting the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, it shines for its purity and has a wonderful spine of acidity, bright, building tannins, and a great finish. Built for the long haul, it will benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and drink nicely over the following decade or more.
The 2018 Pinot Noir Joseph Swan Vineyard is fabulous. In fact, it is one of the very best Pinots I have tasted from Arista in its current incarnation. I have at times been critical of some of the vineyard-designate wines in this portfolio. There are no such issues with the Joseph Swan, as it appears to be especially well-suited to the approach here. Deep red/purplish berry fruit, rose petal, lavender blood orange and spice open as the 2018 shows off its stunning inner sweetness and exceptional balance.