WINERY: The core principle of the winemaking philosophy at Arista is to capture and express the true character and potential of each vineyard. They work with a very carefully chosen handful of grand-cru level Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyards, and are uncompromising in their efforts to maximize the full potential of the wines crafted from these special sites.

WINE: El Diablo Vineyard is a steep, east-facing site on Windsor Ridge in the eastern reaches of the Russian River Valley appellation. This orientation allows the vines to benefit from the warming rays of the morning sun, while being protected from the direct impact of mid-summer afternoon heat. The result is a wine made from grapes that are fully ripe, but never lacking in bright acidity. In fact, the El Diablo Vineyard bottling is consistently one of our most focused and linear Chardonnays.

Ulises Valdez established El Diablo Vineyard in 2008 on the eastern edge of the Russian River Valley Appellation. The site’s location allows for morning fog and afternoon sun, enabling ideal vine conditions. The vineyard features Montrachet and Old Wente Chardonnay selections grafted to rootstock 420a, planted tightly to encourage competition for nutrients. The result is low-yielding, intensely flavored clusters. These selections, perfectly suited to the local climate and site, consistently produce high-quality wine.

The 2022 growing season in Sonoma County started early due to low rainfall and warm spring temperatures. We faced two frost spells in the Russian River Valley, where frost has become increasingly common. Summer was mild with gradual warming through mid August, leading to our earliest harvest. This timing was fortunate, as we completed most harvesting before a significant September heatwave that affected many Sonoma and Napa vineyards. The 2022 vintage produced crystalline, ethereal wines with distinct character. These aromatic, gem-like wines reflect the season’s challenges, which ultimately contributed to their depth and beauty.

The 2022 Arista El Diablo Vineyard Chardonnay exemplifies the outstanding quality of this vintage. Aromas of Asian pear, sweet cream, and lime zest are immediately evident on the nose, mingling with hints of mango and grilled pineapple. On the palate, the wine presents a harmonious acidity that delivers a refreshing zing, without ever veering into tartness. Barrel aging imparts a creamy texture and a delicate hint of caramelized sugar to the palate, adding depth without overwhelming the wine’s elegance.