Arista Winery
Chardonnay Banfield Vineyard Russian River Valley
Banfield Vineyard is one of the oldest vineyards in Sonoma County, whose original Zinfandel vines were planted by the Banfield family in 1880 and remain in production today. The Chardonnay block was planted 100 years later, but still enjoys the status of being one of the oldest Chardonnay vineyards in California. These nearly 50-year-old vines continue to produce a tiny crop of the most intensely flavored and aromatic Chardonnay in the Arista portfolio.
The Banfield Vineyard Chardonnay comes from the northern edge of the Green Valley, a sub-appellation of the Russian River Valley. The location of this vineyard is ideal for growing Chardonnay due to the cooling influence of coastal fog. This dry farmed vineyard was planted in 1980 to the Wente Selection of Chardonnay, a highly prized selection of Chardonnay know for its small, loose clusters and intensely flavored grapes. The 30+ year old vines are rare in the Russian River Valley and produce lower yields per acre. What’s lost in tonnage is more than compensated for in flavor and quality as is evidenced through the wines produced year after year. The combination of site and vine age represent a truly unique and distinct vineyard that we are proud to work with.
- Region
- California: Russian River Valley
- Appellation
- Russian River Valley
- Varietal Composition
- Chardonnay
- Aging
- 14 months in French Oak followed by 6 months in stainless steel.
- Alcohol
- 14.3%
The Banfield Vineyard Chardonnay is focused and opulent in equal measure, it opens with soaring aromatics of Meyer lemon, brûléed sugar, orange blossom, and chamomile. On the palate, layers of preserved citrus, lime zest, and baked apple unfold over a spine of piercing acidity. Hints of honeysuckle, spice cake, and salted caramel echo long into the finish.
Vinous
94 Points
2023
"One of the most elegant wines I have ever tasted from Arista. Rich and layered in the glass, with superb textural resonance, the 2023 is fabulous. Apricot, orchard fruit, tangerine peel, acacia and lightly honeyed overtones build in the glass. Silky contours wrap it all up in style."
— Antonio Galloni, 2026
