2018 Arista Russian River Valley Chardonnay

Arista RRV Chardonnay! 3 vintages, all spectacular. Tasting them side by side, we could not choose one over the other, try them and you might agree…

What they share is a never-before-seen discount of over half off. But more importantly, they were made by the longest-term winemaker Marcassin ever had. Yes, THAT Marcassin, a Chardonnay by them, would set you back around $700 a bottle, which is 20 TIMES MORE than what one of these gems costs here today.

Vinous has the backstory from 2016, “Brothers Mark and Ben McWilliams are in the middle of transforming Arista into a world-class winery. In 2013, they recruited winemaker Matt Courtney, who spent eight years at Marcassin and is one of California's rising stars. Through an unexpected set of events, Courtney was shortly thereafter able to put together his former team when he was joined at Arista by his assistant winemaker and cellar master at Marcassin. Vineyard guru Ulises Valdez takes care of the farming. Based on this tasting, my impression is that the Chardonnays are quite polished…”

Yes, they are! Didn’t even get a chance to mention the massive scores these have yet, as expected.

Crazy good vineyard sites get blended into these. Namely, you’ll find varying proportions of perfectly farmed fruit from Ritchie, El Diablo, Flora Marie, Banfield, and Arista’s own Westside Road Estate, each making their appearance in the portfolio as single vineyard versions too, but we must say, for the value, there’s something added to the synergy of such immaculate sourcing. Add to that the impeccable winemaking, and you get some of the finest possible Chardonnays of the appellation.

Sadly, there is not enough of any to last the day.

94 Points – Wine Advocate “The 2018 Chardonnay Russian River Valley comes from declassified barrels from Arista's single-vineyard program in addition to some purchased fruit. Made with about 15% new oak, the nose features toasty yellow apples, jasmine, honey and a streak of graphite. The satiny palate manages full, ripe fruits and fresh lift, finishing with great length and an alluring hint of matchstick. Drink 2021-2031.”