“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.”

“Extremely perfumed with violets, black cherries and hints of bark. Savory and full-bodied with firm and fine tannins that frame the wine seriously. Notes of orange peel.”

“Some blue fruit with iron and lavender character. Very perfumed. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and a bright finish. Linear and tight. Hibiscus at the end. A blend of declassified barrels from the single-vineyard wines.”

“The brightness and fresh herbs, such as parsley and lemongrass, come out nicely. Some flint. It’s full-bodied with a lovely density. It has plenty of ripe green apple, lemon-lime and brioche flavors. So pure and beautiful.”

“Very clean and precise with sliced apples, light lemon curd and blossom honey. Medium-bodied with a crunchy palate of stone and apple flavors and a chalk-like texture. Lovely consistency and length, Crystalline at the end. A blend of all the vineyards used in Arista’s single bottlings.”

“Elegant and composed, with perfectly ripe Bartlett pear, yellow apple and citrus zest at the core. Delicate, balanced and extremely nuanced.”

“This leans into tropical notes of pineapple and mango, with fresh citrus accents, an elegant, soft body, fresh acidity that gains momentum on the long, expressive finish, where a touch of toasted green tea and honeyed, toasted sesame lingers.”

‘Offers lemon sherbet, salted butterscotch and lemon blossom notes that are fresh and aromatic, with a seamlessness to the supple texture and fresh acidity. Reveals a touch of vanilla crème anglaise and fresh, fleshy nectarine notes that linger on the long finish.”

“The nose is shy to begin, taking time to offer peach, citrus blossom and beeswax perfume. The medium-bodied palate pairs expansive, gently honeyed fruit with focused acidity that drives the layered finish.”

“Youthful tones of crème brûlée and toast give way to citrus blossoms, lemongrass and apricot on the nose. The medium-bodied palate pairs generous, honeyed fruit and a luxurious, mouth-coating texture with laser-like acidity that compels you to take another sip, and although the Arista wines generally age well, there's no reason to wait for this”

“Inviting and ready to drink, with white peach and pepper aromas accented by touches of green herbs and beeswax on the nose. The full-bodied palate has a creamy texture and is loaded with peachy flavor, and it finishes with fresh acidity and nutty nuances.”

"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."

“Elegant and composed, with perfectly ripe Bartlett pear, yellow apple and citrus zest at the core, plus hints of buttery pie crust and touches of vanilla cream and dried apple. Delicate, balanced and extremely nuanced, with a fresh thread of acidity gaining momentum on the finish.”

'"The 2020 Chardonnay Banfield Vineyard is quite airy and understated. White flowers, pear, spice and a touch of tangerine oil are nicely lifted. Medium in body and impeccable in balance, the 2020 is very nicely done."

“Presents gently mulled raspberry, blackberry and blood orange notes that have good energy and tension, with light savory, red tea and mineral details checking in on the finish. Offers nice freshness in the end.” 

“Bright and ripe, with racy-edged pomegranate and raspberry notes underscored by a savory edge, which lends nice lift through the finish. Offers nice freshness.” 

This is rich and textured in feel. A bold, dramatic wine, the Diablo races across the palate with striking depth and tons of textural richness. This is an especially oily, viscous Chardonnay, with all the elements nicely balanced. Tangerine oil, mint, honey, almond, dried flowers and chamomile all grace this caressing, inviting Chardonnay from Arista.

A powerful, tightly wound wine, which is surprising for a year in which most wines are pretty open. Crushed rocks, mint, lemon confit and white pepper all open in the glass. The 2018 is translucent and yet t also packs a pretty huge punch of both fruit and structure.

The 2018 Chardonnay Banfield Vineyard is wonderfully deep and fleshy. Soft contours give the Banfield much of its immediacy. Tangerine peel, lemon confit, almond, dried flowers and mint fill out the layers nicely. This creamy, highly expressive Chardonnay has quite a bit to offer.

A another stellar wine in this range. It captures the natural exuberance of Anderson Valley with plenty of stylishness. Dark cherry, plum, tobacco, licorice, spice and menthol build into the heady, substantial finish.