Wine Enthusiast
89 Points
This is a very light style of Pinot made from a producer renowned for its Chardonnay. The color of cherry juice, it shows some slight reduction and some oak spice, too, on what is an otherwise fruity nose. But both the reduction and the oak add character rather than detract. The palate is lightweight with crisp, angular acidity that makes the fruit feel tart, along with chalky tannins and a lick of oak spice that dries the mouth on the finish. While refreshing, it lacks some fleshy fruit weight to soften the acidity and tannins.
The Wine Advocate
89 Points
The 2018 Village Pinot Noir is made entirely from Hawke's Bay fruit—no Kumeu Pinot Noir was even picked because of the rain that pelted down in that region. It's light ruby in color, with pretty floral notes alongside hints of raspberry and strawberry. Light to medium in body, it's a silky-textured, red-fruited charmer with decent length.
Vinous
93 Points
The 2016 Chardonnay Banfield Vineyard is the most powerful of the four Arista Chardonnays, made in a distinctly phenolic, savory style. There is quite a bit of depth to the fruit, and yet the tannins are less polished than in the other wines in the range.
Wine Enthusiast
92 Points
From a dry-farmed site and older vines, this wine is resplendent in white flowers, salty brine and strong flavors of melon, pineapple and sweet vanilla. With a soft integrated texture and toasted oak, crème brûlée and burnt sugar.
Vinous
92 Points
The 2015 Chardonnay Banfield Vineyard is the most open-knit and accessible of these 2015 Chardonnays from Arista. Lush and expressive on the palate, with terrific depth, the 2015 exudes balance and class. All the elements fall into place effortlessly. The 2015 is a bit smaller scaled and not quite as layered as the other wines in this range. Otherwise, it is impeccably done.
Wine Spectator
92 Points
Lusciously spiced, with well-structured white fruit flavors that are matched to dried mango and roasted pineapple details. The decadent finish features buttery pastry notes. Drink now through 2024. 239 cases made.
Vinous
94 Points
The 2016 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard is one of the more linear wines in this range, relatively speaking. Lemon confit, white flowers, mint and white pepper give the wine a super-distinctive upper register. Aromatic, bright and focused, the Ritchie is refined and loaded with real personality.-
Wine Enthusiast
94 Points
Floral, reduced and mineral-driven, this blockbuster wine is tremendously complex and memorable. White peach, pineapple and white flowers intermingle with ease as teases of fennel, dried herb and ginger come to the fore. The oak lingers in wisps of salty caramel.
Vinous
96 Points
The 2015 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard is powerful, deep and beautifully expressive, with tremendous resonance in all of its dimensions. Vivid, voluptuous and racy, the 2015 exudes class. Crushed rocks, white orchard fruit, lemon peel and mint are all very nicely delineated. Above all else, the Ritchie offers surprising freshness and nuance for such a big wine. The Arista Ritchie emerges from 40 year-old vines on the highest part of the property.
Vinous
93 Points
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
Wine Enthusiast
91 Points
Robustly concentrated and rich in ripe notions of apple, pear and white peach, this wine offers an intensity on the midpalate and plenty of lush length. It finishes with ease, allowing room for toasted oak and vanilla to linger.
The Wine Advocate
92 Points
The 2015 Chardonnay Russian River Valley offers up gregarious tropical and citrus fruit notions of guava, grapefruit and lemon tart with suggestions of allspice, fresh ginger and baking bread. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is laden with tropical and spicy layers, featuring a lively line of freshness and finishes on a savory note. 578 cases were made.
Vinous
92 Points
The 2015 Chardonnay (Russian River Valley) is gorgeous. Supple, lush and inviting, the 2015 is a fabulous introduction to the Arista wines. Lush and tropical, with fabulous freshness, the 2015 is terrific. Candied lemon peel, white flowers, chamomile and white flowers add lovely shades of nuance throughout. The Russian River Chardonnay is rich and opulent, but not at all heavy.
Vinous
92 Points
The 2016 Pinot Noir Ferrington Vineyard is another attractive wine in this range. Hints of earthiness and game add complexity to match the energetic, focused feel of a bright, nuanced Pinot loaded with class and personality.
Wine Enthusiast
95 Points
A compelling combination of well-integrated oak spices and forward, opulent fruit flavors make this full-bodied wine almost irresistible. It has a smooth texture, layered and concentrated notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, new leather, wood smoke, cooked cherries and ripe plums supported by moderate tannins and good fruit acidity.
Wine Spectator
90 Points
Well-structured, offering a firm mix of raspberry, licorice, dusty herb and cedar flavors, with the structure and density making this a candidate for short-term cellaring. Best from 2019 through 2026. 413 cases made.
Vinous
94 Points
The 2015 Pinot Noir Ferrington Vineyard, from a site in Anderson Valley, is wonderfully lush, aromatic and expressive. All of the natural richness of the vintage comes through in this ample, voluptuous wine. A rush of succulent red cherry, blood orange, spice, star anise and rose petal builds into the powerful, flamboyant finish. What a gorgeous wine this is.
Wine Enthusiast
94 Points
Soft, seductive and focused, this best of the best from the appellation is lengthy and complex, with tension on the palate. Dark cherry, wild cinnamon, crushed rock and black tea mingle effortlessly around a rich, dense roundness that never loses its balance or sense of delicious purpose.
Wine Spectator
90 Points
Light toasty oak casts a mix of caramel and cedar notes, joining a mix of elegant cherry, berry, graphite and spice flavors, ending with fine-grained tannins. Best from 2020 through 2027. 1,472 cases made.
Wine Spectator
90 Points
Elegant, offering cherry, sanguine, iron, earth and tobacco flavors. Sleek and vibrant, with a lingering aftertaste of mineral and tobacco. Best from 2023 through 2038. 10,000 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.