Arista Winery
Pinot Noir U.V. Lucky Well Vineyard Russian River Valley
The Lucky Well vineyard is home to some of the most highly acclaimed Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyards in the Russian River Valley due in large part to the perfect confluence of soil, climate, and elevation. Arista's 4-acre section was planted in 2008 to Pommard, Swan, and Calera clones of Pinot Noir.
The Lucky Well vineyard sits atop a knoll on the western edge of the Sebastopol hills outside of the towns of Graton and Sebastopol. The area is home to some of the most highly acclaimed Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyards in the Russian River Valley due in large part to the perfect confluence of soil, climate, and elevation. The vineyard is in an area often referred to as the “banana belt” of the Russian River Valley because, though on the very coolest, foggiest, and western edge of the appellation, it sits on a knoll that rises above the fog line. This feature exposes the fruit to more gentle sunlight, which allows very slow and even ripening across the entire growing season. Our 4-acre section was planted in 2008 to Pommard, Swan, and Calera clones of Pinot Noir.
- Region
- California: Russian River Valley
- Appellation
- Russian River Valley
- Varietal Composition
- Pinot Noir
- Aging
- 100% Pinot Noir, the wine is aged for 11 months in French oak barrels, with 20-30% whole cluster used during fermentation, and it is unfined and unfiltered.
- Alcohol
- 14.58%
Perfect acidity and just the right tannin profile to carry the ultra-precise, medium weight finish. Sapid blue and red fruits mingle with black plum and cola on the palate. Aromas of dried roses and lavender.
Wine Advocate
93 Points
2021
"The 2021 Pinot Noir UV Lucky Well Vineyard comes from heritage clone vines planted by Ulises Valdez in 2006. Made with 40% whole clusters, it has broody scents of cranberry sauce, black plums, prosciutto, dried flowers and tea leaves. The medium-bodied palate is ripe and chalky with mouthwatering acidity and a long, perfumed finish."
— Erin Brooks, 2024