Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley – 2016
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Vineyard Profile
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The Russian River Valley blend represents the unique characteristics of the appellation that set it apart from other growing regions. This wine is defined by its rich weight and texture and by the dark fruit profile commonly associated with the Russian River Valley. The wine is assembled using select lots from our Westside Road Estate Vineyard as well as selections from the Toboni, Lucky Well, and Mononi Vineyards We use no de-classified wine or “filler” vineyards for this appellation blend. Instead, tthis wine is viewed as a blend of our single vineyard and estate wines and is an excellent survey of the vintage and appellation each year.
- Vineyards: Toboni, Lucky Well, Mononi, Arista Estate Vineyard
- Appellation: Russian River Valley
- Clones: Heritage Selections of Swan, Calera, and various Dijon Clones
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Vinification
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Cold grapes arrive at the winery early in the morning after having been picked at night. The clusters are sorted by hand and then destemmed into small, open-top fermenters. The juice is allowed to warm gradually and naturally in the fermenter. Given that all of the wines are made with native yeasts and are not inoculated, this cold-soak period can vary between 5-8 days depending on how long it takes these native populations to build up and begin fermentation. Pinot Noir fermentations are kept below 85 degrees. The wines always go through malolactic fermentation. The wines then spend the next 11 months in barrel, and the wine is racked clean just prior to bottling.
- Aging: 11 months in barrel
- Filtration: Unfined, unfiltered
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Technical Information
- Alcohol: 14.5%
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Tasting Notes
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A beautiful garnet color is accompanied by notes of lavender, raspberry reduction, pencil lead and damp earth on the nose. The wine has a pleasant tannic grip providing structure for flavors of blackberry, plum, wild cherry and Asian spice.
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Images
Reviews
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Arista Pinot Noir Russian River Valley – 2016 – Jeb Dunnuck – 92 Points
The largest production Pinot Noir is the 2016 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley, and it was all destemmed and brought up in French oak, 20% being new. Its medium ruby color gives way to a ripe, exuberant, flashy Pinot Noir that has loads of spice, ripe black cherries, earth, and just a hint of cola. It's textured, balanced, and has tons of charm.
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Arista Winery Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley – 2016 – The Wine Advocate – 92+ Points
Pale to medium ruby in color, the 2016 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley has a smoky, savory nose: woodsmoke, pipe tobacco, smoked meat and turned earth over a core of ripe red and black cherries and berries. Light to medium-bodied with good fruit purity in the mouth, it offers tons of savory layers along with firm, grainy tannins and great freshness to lift the long, flavor