The 2019 Arista Banfield Vineyard Chardonnay is a well-regarded white wine from Arista Winery, located in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma, California. This Chardonnay, with an alcohol content of 13.8%, is sealed with a cork and has received high praise from several professional reviewers.
Jeb Dunnuck awarded the wine a score of 94, highlighting its "concentrated aromatics of lime, pear, and wet stone." He noted the wine's "tension and fresh acidity," and described its palate as having "lemon zest and saline minerality." Dunnuck recommends drinking this wine over the next 10-15 years, suggesting its potential for aging.
Wine Spectator also gave the wine a favorable review, scoring it 93. The review emphasized the wine's aromatic qualities, mentioning "spicy, nutmeg-laced aromas and fresh notes of Honeycrisp apple, Bosc pear, and salted buttery pastry on the finish." They recommend enjoying this wine now through 2030, indicating a slightly shorter aging window compared to Dunnuck. Wine Spectator noted that only 448 cases were made, underscoring its limited availability.
Vinous, through reviewer Antonio Galloni, rated the 2019 Banfield Vineyard Chardonnay at 92 points. Galloni described the wine as "bright and beautifully lifted," with flavors of "pear, lime, and white flowers." He praised its "notable energy" and the "airy and perfumed" character, concluding that the style "works very well here."
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, with Erin Brooks as the reviewer, also scored the wine at 94. Brooks remarked on the wine's evolving aromas, including "apricot, citrus blossom, meringue, and cashews with touches of Meyer lemon." The palate was described as "seamless and flinty," with a "tightly wound core of candied citrus" and a "textural presence that anchors the latent finish." Brooks suggests giving the wine another 2-3 years in the bottle to fully develop.
In summary, the 2019 Arista Banfield Vineyard Chardonnay is a highly acclaimed wine, praised for its complex aromas and balanced palate. It exhibits characteristics of lime, pear, and citrus, with notable minerality and acidity. The wine's potential for aging and limited production make it a noteworthy choice for collectors and enthusiasts alike.