2013 Arista Harper’s Rest Estate Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.85, TA 0.52, 156 cases, $82. This vineyard is located on a portion of the Arista property that was once an ancient river bed so the soils are gravely loam. The top soil is relatively shallow so root systems plunge deep beneath the surface. Yields tend to be less than 2 tons per acre. The vineyard is named to honor Ruben Harper, a pioneer farmer who settled in the Russian River Valley in the mid 1800s and homesteaded the land that is now Arista Estate. Ruben is buried under a California Bay Laurel tree in the middle of this 2-acre vineyard. Pommard clone planted in 2007. Yields 1.25 tons per acre. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Charming aromas of an assortment of berry and dark stone fruits lead to an oak-kissed mid weight plus core of dark cherry and blackberry flavors framed by silky tannins. Impressive attack and palate-staining flavor, holding on through a vigorous finish. Still quite young and not as giving as it will be. Score: 92. Reviewed December 12, 2015

Winery: Arista Winery
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay