Winemaker Notes
#87 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2022
The UV Lucky Well Pinot Noir is a vibrant expression of Pinot Noir from the ridge that separates the Sonoma Coast from the Russian River Valley. The wines from this ridge tend to have qualities of both regions: intense, bright, wild berry notes brought by the cooling influence of the Pacific, and a broad, rich silkiness and complexity characteristic of the interior valley. This wine is no exception. Explosive wild berry, grilled meat, ripe strawberry, pine needle, raspberry liqueur, and black cherry notes adorn the nose. The palate is intense, rich, and dense, and is balanced by tangy acidity and firm tannins. Flavors of wild blackberries, cola, and spiced cherries mingle with a note of earth and crushed granite for a full minute on the finish.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
Presents gently mulled raspberry, blackberry and blood orange notes that have good energy and tension, with light savory, red tea and mineral details checking in on the finish. Offers nice freshness in the end.
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.