2017 Arista Pinot Noir Perli Vineyard
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
Although Arista has chosen to focus almost entirely on vineyards in the Russian River Valley, proprietor Mark McWilliams says the Perli vineyard was too special to let go. Medium ruby, the 2017 Pinot Noir Perli Vineyard opens with touches of iodine, graphite, underbrush and mushrooms over cranberry sauce, baked blackberries, dried lilac and citrus peel. Medium-bodied, it’s concentrated and offers a great balance of ripe fruit and earthy character, with a firm but grainy, long and juicy finish. A bit broodier than the rest of the Arista winery but lovely all the same. (EB)
Critic scores
Average Score
The Wine Advocate
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Although Arista has chosen to focus almost entirely on vineyards in the Russian River Valley, proprietor Mark McWilliams says the Perli vineyard was too special to let go. Medium ruby, the 2017 Pinot Noir Perli Vineyard opens with touches of iodine, graphite, underbrush and mushrooms over cranberry sauce, baked blackberries, dried lilac and citrus peel. Medium-bodied, it’s concentrated and offers a great balance of ripe fruit and earthy character, with a firm but grainy, long and juicy finish. A bit broodier than the rest of the Arista winery but lovely all the same.
The 2017 Pinot Noir Perli Vineyard is tightly wound, compact and not fully put together. It will be interesting to see if it softens a bit with time. Today, searing tannins convey an impression of austerity.