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.
Vinous
94 Points
2023
"Offers an intriguing mix of orchard fruit, marzipan, white flowers, mint, white pepper and dried herbs. A potent, savory wine, the El Diablo is not quite as open or immediate as some of the other Chardonnays in the range, but it offers quite a bit of complexity and driving power. Phenolic contours shape the close."
— Antonio Galloni, 2026
