Arista Winery Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2019
Ratings on Delectable
Somm David T 
Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator
First experience w/ this producer. From Coravin. Think better well chilled & decanted. If you read my posts, you know I am more of a white burgundy person. Only occasionally having Ca Chardonnay. I tried this one as it only sees 18-20% new oak. Lower than many Ca Chardonnay’s. So…I thought I’d check it out. Gotta keep your palate close to everything. This still shows more rigid backbone and wood than I prefer. The nose shows; less oak but oak, some buttered popcorn, green apple, lemon-lime citrus with zest, topical melons, pineapple, white stone fruits, understated caramel, vanilla, white spice, dry to moist herbs, chamomile, lanolin, some paraffin, yellow & white flowers set in greens. The body is a little viscous & waxy. Some buttered popcorn, green apple, lemon-lime citrus with zest, topical melons, pineapple, white stone fruits, apricots, caramel, vanilla, honeysuckle, butterscotch, white spices/ a touch of heat, dry to moist herbs, silvered almonds, shades of mint leaves, chamomile, lanolin, frothy cream, some paraffin, saline, a chalky presence, dry limestone, yellow & white flowers set in greens, very round acidity, good balance-length, more structure than I look for, elegant, rich, lush finish that lasts 90 seconds and lands on spice & volcanic minerals. 91-92. Paid just under $55.
First experience w/ this producer. From Coravin. Think better well chilled & decanted. If you read my posts, you know I am more of a white burgundy person. Only occasionally having Ca Chardonnay. I tried this one as it only sees 18-20% new oak. Lower than many Ca Chardonnay’s. So…I thought I’d check it out. Gotta keep your palate close to everything. This still shows more rigid backbone and wood than I prefer. The nose shows; less oak but oak, some buttered popcorn, green apple, lemon-lime citrus with zest, topical melons, pineapple, white stone fruits, understated caramel, vanilla, white spice, dry to moist herbs, chamomile, lanolin, some paraffin, yellow & white flowers set in greens. The body is a little viscous & waxy. Some buttered popcorn, green apple, lemon-lime citrus with zest, topical melons, pineapple, white stone fruits, apricots, caramel, vanilla, honeysuckle, butterscotch, white spices/ a touch of heat, dry to moist herbs, silvered almonds, shades of mint leaves, chamomile, lanolin, frothy cream, some paraffin, saline, a chalky presence, dry limestone, yellow & white flowers set in greens, very round acidity, good balance-length, more structure than I look for, elegant, rich, lush finish that lasts 90 seconds and lands on spice & volcanic minerals. 91-92. Paid just under $55.
9.1
Delectable Wine
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The 2019 Chardonnay (Russian River Valley) is a very pretty and complex appellation-level wine. Apricot, chamomile, dried flowers, mint, hazelnut and honey are nicely pushed forward. This deceptively mid-weight Chardonnay packs a pretty good punch. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, June 2022)
The 2019 Chardonnay (Russian River Valley) is a very pretty and complex appellation-level wine. Apricot, chamomile, dried flowers, mint, hazelnut and honey are nicely pushed forward. This deceptively mid-weight Chardonnay packs a pretty good punch. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, June 2022)
9.1Louis Martin
Bright, smooth, and nutty, not too oaky, sweetens when paired with slightly bitter food. Went wonderfully with a pesto-salmon meal.
Bright, smooth, and nutty, not too oaky, sweetens when paired with slightly bitter food. Went wonderfully with a pesto-salmon meal.
9.2
