Press

Rising Stars of Pinot Noir...

Wine Spectator, September 2008 Issue

We just got word that we've been named on of the most promising new producers in California by the Wine Spectator.  Here's what they had to say...

"Arista was founded by six members of the McWilliams family in 2002, but the family's first venture in wine began 12 years ago when they purchased a 40-acre vineyard in the Alexander Valley, growing Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Frac.  But Pinot Noir is the McWilliamses' true passion.  Currently, Arista makes Pinot from 6 different vineyards, but by 2010 bottlings should include grapes from the winery's 12-acre Pinot Noir vineyard on Westside Road in the Russian River Valley (Rochioli and Williams Selyem are neighbors), developed with the help of vineyard specialist Ulises Valdez."

Wine Spectator, June 2008
2005 Mononi Vineyard Pinot Noir

90 points | 200 cases made |
Refreshing, clean and vibrant, with vivid black cherry, wild berry and raspberry fruit that's well-focused, balanced and ending with a long fruity finish, ending with a nice touch of loamy earthiness.                                                                                               Drink now through 2011. - J.L.

Check out this beautiful video that our friends at Grape Radio produced about the Russian River Valley and what makes our little corner of the world so special.  Please be patient, it's a large file so it might take a few minutes to download.  Trust us, it's worth the wait!