The 2018 Russian River Valley Chardonnay is made with a modest amount of new oak (~20%) to allow the terroir to take center stage. These appellation wines always offer great insight into the region as a whole for a given vintage. In 2018, notes of Asian pear, Meyer lemon, ginger, lemongrass, slate, dried white flowers and spun sugar are prominent on the nose. On the palate, the wine has a lemon inflected steeliness paired with mouth-watering acidity giving it exceptional liveliness and balance.

Blend: 100% Chardonnay

Critical Acclaim

JD93
Jeb Dunnuck

Starting off with the appellation 2018 Chardonnay Russian River Valley from Arista, this smoking Chardonnay would be ideal for readers trying to understand the style of Arista as well as the overall quality of this estate. Offering up a light golden hue as well as a beautiful perfume of stone fruits, pear, honeyed minerality, and white flowers, it hits the palate with more medium-bodied richness, a round, supple, layered texture, beautifully integrated acidity, and one heck of a great finish. This is one incredible appellation Chardonnay that should be snatched up by readers.

WS92
Wine Spectator
Baked apple, pear tart and dried apricot flavors glide across the palate, with lemon curd accents. Shows light buttery and spicy accents on the plush finish. Drink now through 2025