2017 Arista Perli Vineyard Chardonnay Mendocino Ridge (MAGNUM)

(93 Points) 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 Wine Advocate