The 2019 Arista Russian River Valley Pinot Noir offers a quintessential representation of the Russian River Valley's Pinot Noir character. This wine, produced by Arista Winery in Sonoma, California, presents a robust profile with a 14.2% alcohol content, sealed under cork.
The wine exhibits a bright and ripe nature, with prominent notes of pomegranate and raspberry that are enhanced by a savory edge. According to Wine Spectator, this combination "lends nice lift through the finish," providing a sense of freshness to the wine. Wine Spectator scored this Pinot Noir a commendable 91 points and recommends drinking it now through 2026. They note that 1,678 cases were produced.
Vinous also awarded this wine 91 points, describing it as "a terrific introduction to this range." Antonio Galloni of Vinous appreciated the bold, supple, and juicy character of the wine, which showcases Russian River's distinctiveness in a mid-weight style. Galloni highlighted flavors of crushed raspberry, rose petal, spice, and kirsch, indicating that the wine can be enjoyed with minimal cellaring.
The highest praise comes from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, which rated the 2019 Arista Russian River Valley Pinot Noir at 94 points. Reviewer Erin Brooks described the wine as having "a medium ruby color" and being "bursting with a combination of unabashedly gregarious berry fruit and loads of alluring, earthy undertones." Brooks also noted the wine's balance of concentrated ripe fruit and refreshing acidity, supported by grainy tannins, leading to a long, flavorful finish. This review emphasizes that the wine is "drinking beautifully straight from the bottle."
In summary, the 2019 Arista Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is a well-regarded wine that showcases the hallmark characteristics of the region. With scores ranging from 91 to 94 points and descriptions of its vibrant fruit, savory undertones, and balanced acidity, this Pinot Noir is an excellent representation of Arista Winery's craftsmanship and the Russian River Valley terroir.