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: Our Russian River Valley Chardonnay is a blend that combines old vine plantings, ideal growing conditions, and unique terroir producing a wine that demonstrates the full potential of the Russian River Valley. Combining the best elements of our favorite vineyards with slightly less new oak, this cuvée is wonderfully easy-drinking in its youth, yet maintains an extraordinary degree of quality and age-ability.

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

The 2021 vintage was marked by ideal weather conditions, resulting in exceptional fruit from our vineyard partners throughout Northern California and from our estate. The winter was relatively dry in California, leading to an early bud break and small yields. Beautiful warm weather during the summer and the absence of extreme heat spikes in the latter half of the season allowed for excellent fruit maturation. As the season progressed, the theme of “early” continued, leading to a prompt harvest in advance of fall rains. The wines from 2021 represent a new high-water mark for wine quality at Arista. They’re true reflections of a wonderful season at Arista and across California.

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

Yeast: Native

The 2021 Arista Russian River Valley Chardonnay boasts brilliant clarity and a gorgeous greenish hue that catches the eye. On the nose, it offers aromas of lemon-lime soda, wet stones, lemon drop, and white flowers that give it a vibrant and refreshing character. The palate shows a firm and zippy texture that is beautifully balanced by a subtle mineral tone, adding a degree of complexity to the wine. The finish is crisp and clean, leaving a mouthwatering sensation that lingers pleasantly. This Chardonnay is a testament to the exceptional quality of the Russian River Valley.