SOLD OUT! Ever since Matt Courtney joined Arista in 2012, the wines have gone from good to world-class.
In case you don’t know who Matt Courtney is, he worked alongside Helen Turley for 8 years as assistant winemaker at Marcassin. Let’s just say he learned a few things. His 2015 Arista Pinot Noir Russian River Valley is nearly perfect — get some before it’s gone.
2015 Arista Pinot Noir Russian River Valley
96 points JS — The 2014 vintage of this same wine scored 96 points with Wine Enthusiast!
SOLD OUT
Not familiar with Marcassin? I know some of you are, but if you’re not, it’s the home estate of Helen Turley and her husband John Wetlaufer. The Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs they craft are some of the most sought-after in the world. For 8 years, Matt Courtney worked side-by-side with Helen Turley, both in the cellar and in the vineyard. He picked up a few things……..
And the evidence is in the ratings! Prior to Courtney joining Arista, the wines consistently earned solid scores, always in the upper 80’s. But when Arista’s 2013’s hit the market, all of the wines’ scores jumped into the mid to upper 90’s. Yes, there is an art to winemaking, and Matt Courtney is a master.
Wine Enthusiast had this to say about the 2014 version of this wine: “A best-of blend from several of the producer’s vineyard sites, this wine explodes in flavor and complexity as though celebrating each site’s individual beauty and potential. Black pepper and crisp orange and pomegranate flavors show through its layered and focused texture—a savory package with a seemingly endless finish.” They gave it 96 points, and I’ll bet you the 2015 will earn similar marks, maybe even higher.
I know that this one isn’t cheap, but it sells for 1/5 what Marcassin fetches. And that’s what the Insider’s Edition is all about. I’m bringing the store to you so you to don’t have to stop by all the time to see what’s new. And I’m finding and offering up the best wines your money can buy at nationally competitive prices. That’s what I call winning!
This is seriously delicious stuff, and I bought all 10 six-packs that were available to Western North Carolina. Once those are gone, that’s it for this vintage. For fans of Rochioli, Marcassin, and others of that ilk, you’re going to love this. Talk to you soon. Until then, cheers to happy drinking and eating in Asheville.
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville