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: Ritchie Vineyard is without a doubt one of California’s Grand Cru Chardonnay sites. For nearly 50 years, Kent Ritchie has cultivated this unique slope in the Russian River Valley, yielding legendary wines. We’re privileged to work with the vineyard’s oldest and highest block, one of the earliest Chardonnay plantings in the area. These ancient vines produce small but intense clusters annually, resulting in consistently balanced, intense, and poised wines.

Kent Ritchie has owned and farmed his namesake vineyard since the early 1970s. The vineyard is located just off of River Road at the intersection of Eastside Road and Trenton Road. The location is unique because it sits on a bench at the confluence of the Russian River, the Santa Rosa Plain, and the Laguna de Santa Rosa. Its proximity near the Pacific Ocean subjects it to cool coastal fog and abundant sunlight, ideal for growing Chardonnay in the well-drained, sandy, Goldridge Soils. The vineyard is mainly planted with the Old Wente Selection of Chardonnay, known for its low yields and intensely flavored 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.

12 months fermentation and aging in barrel followed by 4-6 months in stainless steel. Unfined, unfiltered.

This wine is defined by its citrus-inflected layers and is buoyed by a persistent refreshing acidity thanks to the warm vintage. Packed with energy and tightly wound, the wine is multilayered: At first, stone fruit notes drive the aromatics, while the palate is silky and opulent. With time in the glass a procession of flavors emerge including yellow peach, sweet cream, and caramelized sugar, each adding to the incredible complexity of this bright and aromatic expression of New World Chardonnay.