Arista Wine Cellars

04/04/2025

After six straight weeks of Washington wines, its time for a change. Lets go to France this Saturday!!



2020, Domaine des Cognettes, Mucadet Sevre et Maine, “Clisson”: Its color is elegantly dressed in pale yellow finery nuanced with green reflections. The nose, of a beautiful intensity and great freshness, develops varied aromas combining floral notes of acacia and rose, citrus fruits and white fleshed fruits. On the palate the lively lemony and a slightly mineral touch are perfectly combined with a beautiful structure, This wine exudes freshness and lightness, characteristic of ageing on lees. 100% Melon de Bourgogne. $27.99/$25.19



2021, Famille Antech, Le Mauzac M, Blanquette de Limoux, Reserve Extra Brut: This smoky, toasty and robust sparkling wine from the southern French region of Languedoc-Roussillon offers baked bread and subtle apple notes, delivering a crisp and refreshing character. Produced primarily from Mauzac, the local grape known as "Blanquette," this wine is a rare single-vintage expression of Limoux's centuries-old sparkling tradition. Its finish is fresh and lifted by a hint of lime citrus, showcasing great finesse. $18.99/$17.09



2020, Clos Fantine, Faugeres, Cuvee Tradition: A delightful blend of roughly equal parts Carignan, Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and Mourvedre. Exquisite quality drips from this tenuous Southern French blend. This is a wine of deep concentrated black berried fruit, crystalline stone acidity and sculpted tannins. A whiff of wild scrub land herbs reinforce a Mediterranean feeling in this wine meant for a feast. Clos Fantine is a domain run by two sisters (Corine and Carole) and their brother, (Olivier). They vinify their wines by parcel, feeding the grapes whole cluster into large concrete vats. $26.99/$24.29



2021, Cosse & Maisonneuve, Cahors, “La Fage”: Atthieu Cosse and Catherine Maisonneuve, created the estate in 1999, work with respect for the living plants and attach a perfectionist attitude to all levels of winemaking. La Fage shows the best of both worlds when it comes to Malbec. Full bodied, dark fruits and spices, balanced with velvety tannins and great freshness. 100% Malbec. $29.99/$26.99

04/01/2025

We have thoroughly enjoyed celebrating Washington State Wine Month and hope you have too.

03/29/2025

To close out Washington Wine Month we are very excited to have Owner/Winemaker Kim Brady of Brady Cellars in the shop this Saturday. He will be pouring three wine including a 12 year old Bordeaux blend.



2018, Rattlesnake Hills, Angiolina Farms, Grenache: The 2018 Grenache has perfumed aromatics of blackberries and dark cherries. This sets the stage for an elegant palate of bold raspberries with hints of vanilla and plum. Balanced and intensely structured, this wine has great depth -perfect for long term cellar aging. $39.99/$35.99



2013, Columbia Valley, Symphony: A delightful blend of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon. the 2013 Symphony is layered with black cherry, plum, currants, coffee, cocoa and hints of allspice, fresh thyme, to***co and forest floor. The body is laced with smooth fine-grained tannins, great freshness and red fruit characteristics. $39.99/$35.99



2016, Walla Walla Valley, Blue Mountain Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon: The 2016 vintage from Blue Mountain Vineyard is overflowing with aromatic dark fruit, violet and espresso notes. It is extremely concentrated with complex, yet supple tannins. This full-bodied offering transcends its origins. It envelops the palate in lingering blackberry jam, and plum with layers of baking spices. $39.99/$35.99

03/26/2025

We hope you're getting your taste buds on as much Washington State Wine as you can right now!

03/22/2025

Today's Tasting Notes:

The Novelty Hill and Januik partnership began in 2000, shortly after Mike began consulting on the planting of the Alberg family’s Stillwater Creek Vineyard on the Royal Slope of the Frenchman Hills in Washington State’s Columbia Valley. Though an uncharted growing region at the time, Mike liked what the site offered and was intrigued by the Albergs’ interest in planting a diverse selection of clones. He encouraged the family to consider making wine from the site; they agreed, provided Mike serve as winemaker. Novelty Hill was born.



2023. Stillwater Creek, Viognier: Mandarin orange slices mixed in with a rhubarb tart begins to describe this Viognier's rich and fruity set of aromas. A puff of tropical fruit floats in the background. Restrained acidity supports cantaloupe and strawberry fruit flavors on a long finish. $27.99/$25.19



2021, Stillwater Creek, Malbec: Blackcap raspberry and raisin aromas are accented by baking spices and saline combination. While the wine's acidity is bracing, the 15% Cabernet Sauvignon in here must be responsible for this brawny tannic backbone. The flavor of a chocolate-covered blackberry brings it all home. $32.99/$29.69



2021, Stillwater Creek, Merlot: A sweet blueberry syrup aroma is joined by notes of fresh-turned earth and fresh-chopped oak. A concentrated blackberry flavor dominates the palate, with a touch of strong-brewed black tea keeping it company. The wine's tannins are rough and firm, with a surprising bit of acidity. $31.99/$28.79



2022, Columbia Valley, Syrah: Dark and intensely hued, this Columbia Valley Syrah opens with vibrant aromas of blackberry, plum, and exotic spice. Rich layers of black currant and blueberry unfold on a smooth, supple palate balanced by refined tannins. The savory finish lingers with hints of dark fruit and spice. $26.99/$24.29

03/22/2025

Happy Friday

03/21/2025

Celebrating Washington State Wine and our special month - cool pairing ideas here

03/20/2025

Saturday's Tasting Notes:

The Novelty Hill and Januik partnership began in 2000, shortly after Mike began consulting on the planting of the Alberg family’s Stillwater Creek Vineyard on the Royal Slope of the Frenchman Hills in Washington State’s Columbia Valley. Though an uncharted growing region at the time, Mike liked what the site offered and was intrigued by the Albergs’ interest in planting a diverse selection of clones. He encouraged the family to consider making wine from the site; they agreed, provided Mike serve as winemaker. Novelty Hill was born.



2023. Stillwater Creek, Viognier: Mandarin orange slices mixed in with a rhubarb tart begins to describe this Viognier's rich and fruity set of aromas. A puff of tropical fruit floats in the background. Restrained acidity supports cantaloupe and strawberry fruit flavors on a long finish. $27.99/$25.19



2021, Stillwater Creek, Malbec: Blackcap raspberry and raisin aromas are accented by baking spices and saline combination. While the wine's acidity is bracing, the 15% Cabernet Sauvignon in here must be responsible for this brawny tannic backbone. The flavor of a chocolate-covered blackberry brings it all home. $32.99/$29.69



2021, Stillwater Creek, Merlot: A sweet blueberry syrup aroma is joined by notes of fresh-turned earth and fresh-chopped oak. A concentrated blackberry flavor dominates the palate, with a touch of strong-brewed black tea keeping it company. The wine's tannins are rough and firm, with a surprising bit of acidity. $31.99/$28.79



2022, Columbia Valley, Syrah: Dark and intensely hued, this Columbia Valley Syrah opens with vibrant aromas of blackberry, plum, and exotic spice. Rich layers of black currant and blueberry unfold on a smooth, supple palate balanced by refined tannins. The savory finish lingers with hints of dark fruit and spice. $26.99/$24.29

03/18/2025

Yep! Truth! Happy St. Patrick's Day!

03/15/2025

Today, we will be tasting four terrific wines from Dunham Cellars, including one of the first ’24 rose’s coming to the market.

Founding Winemaker Eric Dunham discovered has passion for wine at a young age. As a teenager in the early 1980’s, he enjoyed helping himself to his parents international wine collection. Even with those precious bottles safely tucked away in a locked wine cellar, Eric learned how to pick the lock. When the lock was upgraded, he discovered he could remove the hinges from the cellars door. Mike and Joanne never quite figured out how to keep Eric from his cellar sampling. Unfortunately we lost Eric in 2014. But the winery is in good hands of its current lead winemaker, Robert Campisi.





2024, Columbia Valley, Sauvignon Blanc: The new vintage of our popular Sauvignon Blanc opens with aromas of guava, citrus blossom, Meyer lemon, and slate. Flavors of key lime zest, pineapple core, wet stone, and sugar snap pea are accented by lively acidity and a streak of minerality. Another vintage begging to spend some time on your patio. $22.99/$20.69



2024, Columbia Valley, Cabernet Franc, Rose’: This wine opens with tantalizing aromas of wild strawberry, key lime zest, white nectarine and jasmine. Refreshing flavors of passion fruit, raspberry and honeydew melon are accented with a beautiful streak of minerality. Perfect by itself or with your favorite assortment of cheeses. $22.99/$20.69



2022, Three Legged Red: Featuring fruit from their estate vineyards and using the same barrels in which they age their best Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah, they are able to maintain the consistent high quality of their top wines, while creating a great everyday wine that is price-friendly. The story of an injured dog being rescued by a winemaker will always make the Three Legged Red a sentimental favorite. This latest vintage starts with earthy oregano and duff aromas, followed by notes of blackberry and black tea. Brawny tannins back a rich boysenberry jam flavor that is accented by lemon zest and caraway seeds. Wine Enthusiast awarded this wine 91 points. $21.99/$19.79



2021, Columbia Valley, Trutina: A terrific Bordeaux blend of 64% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4$ Malbec, 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc. Trutina can wreck a diet with its aromas of dark chocolate brownie mix, cassis and a melting beeswax candle. The Merlot-driven blend's blueberry flavor is pierced by notes of strong coffee and balsa. This wine would be a fine match for bacon burgers. $33.99/$30.59

03/14/2025

This Saturday, 03/15, we will be tasting four terrific wines from Dunham Cellars, including one of the first ’24 rose’s coming to the market.

Founding Winemaker Eric Dunham discovered has passion for wine at a young age. As a teenager in the early 1980’s, he enjoyed helping himself to his parents international wine collection. Even with those precious bottles safely tucked away in a locked wine cellar, Eric learned how to pick the lock. When the lock was upgraded, he discovered he could remove the hinges from the cellars door. Mike and Joanne never quite figured out how to keep Eric from his cellar sampling. Unfortunately we lost Eric in 2014. But the winery is in good hands of its current lead winemaker, Robert Campisi.





2024, Columbia Valley, Sauvignon Blanc: The new vintage of our popular Sauvignon Blanc opens with aromas of guava, citrus blossom, Meyer lemon, and slate. Flavors of key lime zest, pineapple core, wet stone, and sugar snap pea are accented by lively acidity and a streak of minerality. Another vintage begging to spend some time on your patio. $22.99/$20.69



2024, Columbia Valley, Cabernet Franc, Rose’: This wine opens with tantalizing aromas of wild strawberry, key lime zest, white nectarine and jasmine. Refreshing flavors of passion fruit, raspberry and honeydew melon are accented with a beautiful streak of minerality. Perfect by itself or with your favorite assortment of cheeses. $22.99/$20.69



2022, Three Legged Red: Featuring fruit from their estate vineyards and using the same barrels in which they age their best Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah, they are able to maintain the consistent high quality of their top wines, while creating a great everyday wine that is price-friendly. The story of an injured dog being rescued by a winemaker will always make the Three Legged Red a sentimental favorite. This latest vintage starts with earthy oregano and duff aromas, followed by notes of blackberry and black tea. Brawny tannins back a rich boysenberry jam flavor that is accented by lemon zest and caraway seeds. Wine Enthusiast awarded this wine 91 points. $21.99/$19.79



2021, Columbia Valley, Trutina: A terrific Bordeaux blend of 64% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4$ Malbec, 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc. Trutina can wreck a diet with its aromas of dark chocolate brownie mix, cassis and a melting beeswax candle. The Merlot-driven blend's blueberry flavor is pierced by notes of strong coffee and balsa. This wine would be a fine match for bacon burgers. $33.99/$30.59

03/10/2025

We are celebrating both Women's History Month and Washington State Wine Month - great read.

Women are making inroads throughout Washington State's wine industry. Here are five women managing some of the state's most important vineyards.

03/08/2025

In continuing with the Washington Wine Month theme, we are very excited to have Alexandria Nicole Winery in the shop today.

Jarrod was born in Prosser and learned the secrets of successful vineyard management as assistant viticulturalist under the tutelage of Dr. Wade Wolfe when both worked for The Hogue Cellars. It was here that wine grape growing and winemaking became Jarrod’s passion. In September 2004, the state-of-the-art Alexandria Nicole Cellars winery (named after Jarrod’s wife, Ali Boyle) was constructed. The winery was designed to suit the production of small-lot, handcrafted wines.

2023, Columbia Valley, Viognier: Hand harvested and whole cluster pressed fruit from our Estate Vineyard and the Crawford Vineyard of the Columbia Valley make up this delightful white wine. The meticulous care in the vineyard shown by both growers speaks volumes in this wine which showcases a dazzling bouquet of fresh peach and stone-fruit backed by nuances of white grapefruit, Meyer lemon, and gardenias. $29.99/$26.99

2023, Columbia Valley, Shepherds Mark: A delight blend of 52% Roussanne, 30% Marsanne and 18% Viognier. Nectarine, Meyer lemon and apricot mixed with chamomile and dried herbs. $29.99/$26.99

2021, Horse Heaven Hills, Destiny Ridge Vineyard, Quarry Butte, Red: This elegantly expressive blend showcases ripe, sun-drenched fruit aromas of luscious, ripe blackberries and VINEYARD: APPELLATION: AGING: raspberries, with a hint of jammy sweetness. A mild oak influence is revealed in warm notes of cocoa, cigar box, and toasty brioche. 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 12% Syrah, 7% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec. $33.99/$30.59

2021, Horse Heaven Hills, Destiny Ridge Vineyard, Jet Black, Syrah: The first thing you notice is how inky and dark the 2021 Jet Black looks in the glass. This year, flattered by a little Viognier, the color is intensified, the aromatics more expressive and the finish heightened. The perfumy notes of lilac and sweet spices enveloped by sun-soaked blackberries and ripe blueberries. Notes of delicate herbal notes of clove, thyme and vanilla enhance the wine's overall complexity. This Syrah has a long finish with soft, velvety tannins and a supple amount of acidity. $35.99/$32.39

03/08/2025

Celebrating Washington State Wine and Washington Wine Month

03/06/2025

In continuing with the Washington Wine Month theme, we are very excited to have Alexandria Nicole Winery in the shop this coming Saturday. Jarrod was born in Prosser and learned the secrets of successful vineyard management as assistant viticulturalist under the tutelage of Dr. Wade Wolfe when both worked for The Hogue Cellars. It was here that wine grape growing and winemaking became Jarrod’s passion. In September 2004, the state-of-the-art Alexandria Nicole Cellars winery (named after Jarrod’s wife, Ali Boyle) was constructed. The winery was designed to suit the production of small-lot, handcrafted wines.

2023, Columbia Valley, Viognier: Hand harvested and whole cluster pressed fruit from our Estate Vineyard and the Crawford Vineyard of the Columbia Valley make up this delightful white wine. The meticulous care in the vineyard shown by both growers speaks volumes in this wine which showcases a dazzling bouquet of fresh peach and stone-fruit backed by nuances of white grapefruit, Meyer lemon, and gardenias. $29.99/$26.99

2023, Columbia Valley, Shepherds Mark: A delight blend of 52% Roussanne, 30% Marsanne and 18% Viognier. Nectarine, Meyer lemon and apricot mixed with chamomile and dried herbs. $29.99/$26.99

2021, Horse Heaven Hills, Destiny Ridge Vineyard, Quarry Butte, Red: This elegantly expressive blend showcases ripe, sun-drenched fruit aromas of luscious, ripe blackberries and VINEYARD: APPELLATION: AGING: raspberries, with a hint of jammy sweetness. A mild oak influence is revealed in warm notes of cocoa, cigar box, and toasty brioche. 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 12% Syrah, 7% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec. $33.99/$30.59

2021, Horse Heaven Hills, Destiny Ridge Vineyard, Jet Black, Syrah: The first thing you notice is how inky and dark the 2021 Jet Black looks in the glass. This year, flattered by a little Viognier, the color is intensified, the aromatics more expressive and the finish heightened. The perfumy notes of lilac and sweet spices enveloped by sun-soaked blackberries and ripe blueberries. Notes of delicate herbal notes of clove, thyme and vanilla enhance the wine's overall complexity. This Syrah has a long finish with soft, velvety tannins and a supple amount of acidity. $35.99/$32.39

03/01/2025

Tosay starts Washington Wine Month!

So to celebrate we will be highlighting five different Washington wineries this month. To start things off we are celebrating L’Ecole No. 41 this coming Saturday. L’Ecole No. 41 is a third generation family owned, artisan winery located in the historic Frenchtown School depicted on their labels. Founded in 1983, they were the third winery established in the Walla Walla Valley.



2023, Columbia Valley, Chardonnay: The wine's lemony aromas are accompanied by the scent of a loaf of rosemary bread that's right out of the oven. The flavors are equally hunger pang-inducing, with basil and almonds supporting a rich passion fruit tart flavor. Wine Enthusiast awarded this wine 90 points. $28.99/$26.09



2024, Columbia Valley, Frenchtown, Sauvignon Blanc: Frenchtown leads with ripe Golden Delicious apple, thyme, lemon and wet slate aromas.This is a softer, not overly acidic Sauvignon Blanc with a rich texture and flavors like lemon and earthy oregano. $27.99/$25.19



2021, Columbia Valley, Syrah: This balanced Syrah, with 16% Grenache and 2% Mourvèdre for good measure, is a great value. Aged in small, mostly neutral oak barrels for 18 months, it leads with aromas of black cherries and earthy soil and oregano. Flavors like black cherries, whipped cream, dark chocolate and espresso. Wine Enthusiast awarded this wine 92 pointg. $28.99/$26.09



2021, Columbia Valley, Merlot: If a cup of Indonesian coffee served black with a slice of blueberry pie and a chunk of dark chocolate sounds appealing, you are in the right place. The wine's slick and slippery texture accompanies sweet and savory flavors like blackberry compote with roasted game. The tannins are as sturdy as a slab of granite. Wine Spectator awarded this wine 92 points. $28.99/$26.09

02/28/2025

March is Washington Wine Month!

So to celebrate we will be highlighting five different Washington wineries this month. To start things off we are celebrating L’Ecole No. 41 this coming Saturday. L’Ecole No. 41 is a third generation family owned, artisan winery located in the historic Frenchtown School depicted on their labels. Founded in 1983, they were the third winery established in the Walla Walla Valley.



2023, Columbia Valley, Chardonnay: The wine's lemony aromas are accompanied by the scent of a loaf of rosemary bread that's right out of the oven. The flavors are equally hunger pang-inducing, with basil and almonds supporting a rich passion fruit tart flavor. Wine Enthusiast awarded this wine 90 points. $28.99/$26.09



2024, Columbia Valley, Frenchtown, Sauvignon Blanc: Frenchtown leads with ripe Golden Delicious apple, thyme, lemon and wet slate aromas.This is a softer, not overly acidic Sauvignon Blanc with a rich texture and flavors like lemon and earthy oregano. $27.99/$25.19



2021, Columbia Valley, Syrah: This balanced Syrah, with 16% Grenache and 2% Mourvèdre for good measure, is a great value. Aged in small, mostly neutral oak barrels for 18 months, it leads with aromas of black cherries and earthy soil and oregano. Flavors like black cherries, whipped cream, dark chocolate and espresso. Wine Enthusiast awarded this wine 92 pointg. $28.99/$26.09



2021, Columbia Valley, Merlot: If a cup of Indonesian coffee served black with a slice of blueberry pie and a chunk of dark chocolate sounds appealing, you are in the right place. The wine's slick and slippery texture accompanies sweet and savory flavors like blackberry compote with roasted game. The tannins are as sturdy as a slab of granite. Wine Spectator awarded this wine 92 points. $28.99/$26.09