Chardonnay, Russian River Valley – 2015
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Introduction
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Vintage Notes
The Russian River Valley Chardonnay blend combines our old vine plantings, ideal growing conditions, and unique terroir producing a wine that demonstrates the full potential of the Russian River Valley appellation. The combination of vine age, site, and winemaking produce a profound wine that provides great insight into the vintage and appellation each year.
Winemaking
Cold grapes arrive at the winery early in the morning after having been picked at night. Grape clusters are sorted by hand and gently transferred as whole clusters directly into our press to undergo an extremely gentle press cycle lasting 3-4 hours. From the settling tank, the juice is moved to 60-gallon French oak barrels, where fermentation is allowed to occur naturally using only native yeast that come in from our vineyards. Limited battonage is used during the first 2-3 months of fermentation in order to encourage the development of a healthy yeast population. Once fermentation is safely underway the wine is not disturbed until the fermentation is complete, which typically takes about 10-11 months. Final blends are assembled and gently racked to stainless-steel tanks for about 4-6 months.
Technical Information
Vineyard Sources: Banfield, Ritchie, El Diablo, Arista Estate Vineyard
Clonal Composition: Old Wente and Montrachet
Aging: 12 months fermentation and aging in barrel followed by 6 months in stainless steel
Alcohol: 14.5
Unfined, unfiltered
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Tasting Notes
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A wine that presents great richness and silkiness, yet still possesses structure. Notes of white peach, toast, sweet cream, and white pepper greet the nose, while flavors of orchard fruit, quince and Asian pear (and pear skin) are buoyed by a savory and mouth-watering mix of tangy acidity and minerals on the finish.
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Images
Reviews
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Arista Winery Chardonnay, Russian River Valley – 2015 – Vinous – 92 Points
The 2015 Chardonnay (Russian River Valley) is gorgeous. Supple, lush and inviting, the 2015 is a fabulous introduction to the Arista wines. Lush and tropical, with fabulous freshness, the 2015 is terrific. Candied lemon peel, white flowers, chamomile and white flowers add lovely shades of nuance throughout. The Russian River Chardonnay is rich and opulent, but not at all heavy.
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Arista Winery Chardonnay, Russian River Valley – 2015 – The Wine Advocate – 92 Points
The 2015 Chardonnay Russian River Valley offers up gregarious tropical and citrus fruit notions of guava, grapefruit and lemon tart with suggestions of allspice, fresh ginger and baking bread. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is laden with tropical and spicy layers, featuring a lively line of freshness and finishes on a savory note. 578 cases were made.
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Arista Winery Chardonnay, Russian River Valley – 2015 – Wine Enthusiast – 91 Points
Robustly concentrated and rich in ripe notions of apple, pear and white peach, this wine offers an intensity on the midpalate and plenty of lush length. It finishes with ease, allowing room for toasted oak and vanilla to linger.