Winemaker Notes
In the glass, the wine is strikingly perfumed—red currant, pomegranate, and wild strawberry rise from the glass, accented by fresh sage, rose petal, and sandalwood. The palate is layered and lifted, with precise flavors of blood orange, raspberry, and crushed stone that glide across a finely textured frame. The finish is long, detailed, and almost airy, showing the clarity and finesse that are becoming hallmarks of this site.
Professional Ratings
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Vinous
Bursting with sweet red cherry fruit, tobacco, incense, dried herbs, mint and orange peel. Medium in body and wonderfully precise, the Kanzler is an especially refined Russian River Pinot Noir. A blast of red-toned fruit punctuates the super-expressive finish.
Arista Winery was founded by Al and Janis McWilliams in 2002 with a mission to craft artisanal, site-driven Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Russian River Valley. From the beginning, the McWilliams have firmly believed that the finest examples of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are produced in small lots. This belief has led to an emphasis on quality over quantity and a determination to discover and develop unique vineyard sites that reflect the distinct characteristics of the Russian River Valley. Arista is committed to sustainable farming practices. They work closely with local growers who share the dedication to sustainability in Arista carries out in their vineyards. Very little is done to manipulate the vineyard sites but instead strive to preserve each vineyard's natural qualities.
While the Russian River Valley is a large appellation with multiple climate zones and soil types, it is best known for cool-climate varieties, with Pinot Noir as the most celebrated. The grapes benefit from a reliable late afternoon flow of Pacific Ocean fog through the Petaluma Gap and along the Russian River Valley that ensures slow and steady ripening and the preservation of grape acidity. Today many of California’s most highly regarded Pinot Noir vineyards are in the Russian River Valley, along with its sub-appellation, Green Valley.
Historically Russian River Valley Pinot Noirs had bright red fruit and delicate earthy, mineral notes. But changes in viticultural and winemaking practices have led to stylistic changes in some of the region’s wines. Adjustments to canopy management, among other techniques, have resulted in riper fruit and bolder wines as well. These show flavors of black cherry, blackberry, cola, spice and darker, loamy earth tones, accenting traditional Pinot Noir notes of strawberry, raspberry and light cherry.