Vineyard: Harper's Rest

OwnerMcWilliams Family
AppellationRussian River Valley
Dates Planted2007
Acres2.1
LocationArista estate vineyard adjacent tasting room on Westside Road.
SoilsClay loam
VarietiesPinot Noir
ClonesPommard
Rootstock101-14
Trellis Spacing3.5' x 7'
ManagersUlises Valdez

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

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 » ARTICLE »

2011 Arista Harper’s Rest Estate Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.76, TA 0.57, 170 cases. Released fall 2013. Aged in 30% new, 50% 1-year and 20% 2-year French oak barrels. Vineyard is named to honor Ruben Harper, a pioneer farmer who settled in the mid-1800s on the property that is now the Arista Estate. Ruben is buried under a California bay laurel tree in the middle of the 2-acre vineyard. Ruben’s headstone and original rock wall surrounding his grave site still stand (see photo below). River bed soils, lowyielding Pommard clone. · Light reddish-purple color in the glass. Lovely aromas of cherries, rose petals, peat and spice. Relatively delicate and light in weight, but the core of spiced cherry and raspberry fruits is quite flavorful. Score: 89. Reviewed January 20, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Arista Harper’s Rest Estate Grown Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.77, TA 0.60, 90 cases, $60. Released fall 2012. 2.1-acre vineyard planted in 2007. Clay loam soils. Pommard clone on 101-14 rootstock, 3.5’ x 7’, yields 1.25 tons per acre. Aged in 17% new, 33% 1-year and 50% 2-3-year-old French oak barrels. · Medium reddish-purple robe in the glass. The nose starts out promising with aromas of fresh dark cherries and raspberries but becomes somewhat dull over time with hints of briar and stem. Black cherry and dark red berry flavors are featured with a subtle green note in the background. Moderately intense with a creamy texture and long finish. This wine should improve over time. Good. Reviewed December 8, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »