Arista Winery
Chardonnay, El Diablo Vineyard Russian River Valley
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.
Established by Ulises Valdez in 2008, El Diablo Vineyard sits on the eastern edge of the Russian River Valley, where morning fog and afternoon sun create ideal growing conditions. Planted with Montrachet and Old Wente Chardonnay on 420a rootstock and tight spacing, the vineyard yields low quantities of intensely flavored fruit. These site-specific selections consistently produce exceptional, high-quality wine.
- Region
- California: Russian River Valley
- Appellation
- Russian River Valley
- Varietal Composition
- Chardonnay
- Aging
- 13 months in French Oak followed by 6 months in stainless steel.
- Alcohol
- 14.4%
The Arista El Diablo Vineyard Chardonnay opens with cool-toned aromas of Asian pear, crushed limestone, and lime leaf, layered with hints of grilled pineapple and sweet cream. The palate is electric yet composed, with bright acidity guiding flavors of green mango, yuzu, and a touch of marzipan. A gentle creaminess from the lees aging adds volume, while subtle notes of baked citrus and warm spice glide into a long, mineral-driven finish.
James Suckling
96 Points
2023
"Aromas of yellow flowers, lightly toasted sourdough and just-ripe green pears. Wonderfully broad with textural acidity and a lingering taste of salted caramel. Drink or hold."
— Courtney Humiston, 2026
Wine Advocate
95+ Points
2023
"The 2023 Chardonnay El Diablo Vineyard has slowly blossoming scents of peach, lemon, panna cotta, elderflower, toast and crème brûlée. The medium-bodied palate is silky and bright with dramatically unfurling, flinty flavors. It offers exceptional purity, richness and energy and should be long lived in the cellar."
— Erin Brooks, 2026
