Arista Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2018

Arista Winery has easily been one of the hottest American wineries in the last half decade and it’s no surprise why. With access to some of the state’s most elite vineyard sites up and down the coast, an estate right next to the legendary Sonoma winery, William Selyem and a scorching hot winemaker, Arista has established itself as a force to be reckoned with. 

Winemaker, Matt Courtney had the incredible fortune of being the apprentice under the super famous, Helen Turley for eight years on her cult project, Marcassin. It’s there he learned how to make Burgundian varietals from one of the best– helping serve their allocation list and their 5000+ person waitlist! 

The 2018 RRV Chardonnay is made with 15% New Oak to allow the terroir to take center stage. In terms of  appellation wines, Jeb Dunnuck suggests that this is one of the best and tone that should be “snatched up” by readers. It offers fresh notes of Asian pear, Meyer lemon, ginger and lemongrass on the nose. On the palate, the wine has a “steely” lemony flavor paired with mouth-watering acidity giving it exceptional liveliness and balance.