U.V. Pinot Noir, Lucky Well, Russian River Valley – 2021
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Introduction
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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 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.
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Vineyard Profile
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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.
- Appellation: Sonoma County
- Location: California
- Cultivation: Sustainable
- Vine Age: 14 years
- Soil: Goldridge
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Vintage Report
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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.
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Vinification
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11 months in French oak barrels; 20-30% whole cluster used during fermentation. Unfined and unfiltered.
- Aging: 11 months in French oak barrels
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Technical Information
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Yeast: Native
- Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
- Alcohol: 13.7%
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Tasting Notes
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The 2021 Lucky Well Vineyard Pinot Noir is back with a vengeance at its traditional place at the top of the Arista lineup. This is easily the best Lucky Well we’ve ever made, which is saying a lot for a wine that was selected as one of the Top 100 wines in the world by Wine Spectator last year. But the 2021 vintage is just that special. This wine has it all: a shockingly vibrant ruby color, incredible aromatics, density, intensity, a seamless texture, and perfect weight and balance. A strong contender for the best wine ever made at Arista, full stop. This is Pinot perfection.
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Images
Reviews
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U.V. Pinot Noir, Lucky Well, Russian River Valley — 2021 – Wine Advocate – 93 Points
"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."
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U.V. Pinot Noir, Lucky Well, Russian River Valley — 2021 – Jeb Dunnuck – 97 Points
“It offers a fantastic aromatic profile on the nose with layered, rich notes of wild mixed berries, brambly herbs, pine, violets, and citrus oils. While it’s medium-bodied, it offers great depth and has a chiseled structure with ripe tannins, coiled tension, and lasting notes of brambly spice on the long finish.”
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U.V. Pinot Noir, Lucky Well, Russian River Valley — 2021 – Vinous – 93 Points
"The 2021 Pinot Noir U.V. - Lucky Well Vineyard is a rich, effusive wine. Lavender, mint, spice and cool, blue-toned fruits open with a bit of coaxing. Bright acids lend freshness and verve throughout, finishing with a note of sweet oak."
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U.V. Pinot Noir, Lucky Well, Russian River Valley — 2021 – Wine Spectator – 93 Points
"Punchy and still quite primal, displaying a burst of plum, black cherry and boysenberry fruit flavors supported by bright, almost perky acidity and laced with notes of singed apple wood and dried anise on the toasty finish. A youthful tumble right now, but some cellaring should ease this into full equilibrium."