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: The Russian River Valley Chardonnay blend combines old vine plantings, ideal growing conditions, and unique terroir producing a wine that demonstrates the full potential of the Russian River Valley. Once again, no de-classified wine or “filler” vineyards are used. The 2021 bottling is a blend of barrels from five Russian River Valley single vineyards: Flora Marie, El Diablo, Ritchie, Banfield and Arista Westside Road Estate vineyard.

Our Russian River Valley Chardonnay bottling is a blend of barrels from five Russian River Valley vineyards: Banfield, Richie, El Diablo, Flora Marie, and Arista Westside Road Estate Vineyard.

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.

Yeast: Native

Initially, the 2022 Arista Russian River Valley Chardonnay offers notes of wet stones, caramelized sugar, and candied lemon peel. As the wine opens up, layers of lemon-lime, oyster shell, and white flowers reveal themselves. On the palate, this wine’s silky and voluminous mouthfeel is beautifully balanced by subtle saline minerality that adds complexity to the wine. The finish is crisp and clean, leaving mouth-watering sensation that lingers pleasantly.