Arista Winery
UV-Lucky Well Vineyard Pinot Noir
Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA
Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of an hour. The 2016 “UV Lucky Well” pours a deep ruby color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with light staining of the tears and some light sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with fascinating notes of ancho chilis, bruised strawberries, potpourri, licorice, leather, organic earth and fine baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin and medium acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and spicy. True to its Russian River roots, this is an opulent expression of Pinot Noir. Not my preferred style but this was very well made and has plenty of interesting things to say. Drink now.
Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of an hour. The 2016 “UV Lucky Well” pours a deep ruby color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with light staining of the tears and some light sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with fascinating notes of ancho chilis, bruised strawberries, potpourri, licorice, leather, organic earth and fine baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin and medium acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and spicy. True to its Russian River roots, this is an opulent expression of Pinot Noir. Not my preferred style but this was very well made and has plenty of interesting things to say. Drink now.
Mar 29th, 2025
Monthly WTF wine group meet up. Theme was “bring something good”. All wines (minus the bubbles and SB) were tasted blind.
This was super intense and perfumed. Young. Feel like there may be some use of whole cluster here? Massive amount of ripe black cherries, cola, potpourri and sandalwood. Acidic, with very compact fruit alongside some herbal/stemmy? notes. Thanks, @Weston Eidson .
Monthly WTF wine group meet up. Theme was “bring something good”. All wines (minus the bubbles and SB) were tasted blind.
This was super intense and perfumed. Young. Feel like there may be some use of whole cluster here? Massive amount of ripe black cherries, cola, potpourri and sandalwood. Acidic, with very compact fruit alongside some herbal/stemmy? notes. Thanks, @Weston Eidson .
Dark cherry, hints of orange peel, baking spices. Sweeter and bigger style than I prefer, though well made in its own right. I enjoyed it after dinner last night with desert. Ended up putting the second half in the chili where it truly shined today.
Dark cherry, hints of orange peel, baking spices. Sweeter and bigger style than I prefer, though well made in its own right. I enjoyed it after dinner last night with desert. Ended up putting the second half in the chili where it truly shined today.
Nov 19th, 2017
A touch too oaky and too much sweetness.
A touch too oaky and too much sweetness.
Jun 17th, 2023Not one of the better examples from Arista. True, 2015 was a hot year, but anything reminiscent of balance is absent here. The wine is dark, jammy, and heavy-handed at 15.1%. The resulting wine is lacking any form for elegance. That said, if you love "capital B" Big Pinot then this is right up your alley and you should absolutely support.
Not one of the better examples from Arista. True, 2015 was a hot year, but anything reminiscent of balance is absent here. The wine is dark, jammy, and heavy-handed at 15.1%. The resulting wine is lacking any form for elegance. That said, if you love "capital B" Big Pinot then this is right up your alley and you should absolutely support.
Jul 9th, 2019
Ate leftovers from Dry Creek Kitchen dinner on 5/28/19 in our room (16) at Farmhouse Inn. Lamb chops, kale salad, mushrooms, pasta salad, and chocolate chip cookies for dessert. All delicious. Wine perfect pairing.
Ate leftovers from Dry Creek Kitchen dinner on 5/28/19 in our room (16) at Farmhouse Inn. Lamb chops, kale salad, mushrooms, pasta salad, and chocolate chip cookies for dessert. All delicious. Wine perfect pairing.
May 30th, 2019Big for a Pinot. Berry and cherry with smooth tannins
Big for a Pinot. Berry and cherry with smooth tannins
Oct 11th, 2018At Dry Creek Kitchen with Lynn May 30, 2018 (Server: Don)
At Dry Creek Kitchen with Lynn May 30, 2018 (Server: Don)
May 31st, 2018