Arista RRV Chardonnay! We recently tasted 3 vintages, all spectacular. Tasting them side by side, they were all spectacular, but this 95-point 2020… It’s something special!

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.

95 Points – Wine Advocate “The 2020 Chardonnay Russian River Valley was matured for 12 months in 20% new French oak barrels and finished with six months in stainless steel. Like many of the 2020s from Arista, it is inviting and ready to drink, with white peach and pepper aromas accented by touches of green herbs and beeswax on the nose. The full-bodied palate has a creamy texture and is loaded with peachy flavor, and it finishes with fresh acidity and nutty nuances. Drink 2023-2028.”