2019
The 2019 Red Blend H Block is a total stunner. In this vintage, the Franc is very much front and center. Beautifully delineated notes of iron, dried herbs, leather, mocha, licorice and espresso grace the H Block, adding tons of complexity. The 2019 is a deeply structured wine that will likely take years to come around, but it is also quite special and full of character. – Antonio Galloni, Vinous (January 2021) 94-96 points
The 2019 Red Blend H Block Hudson Vineyard is a blend of 70% Cabernet Franc and 30% Merlot. Deep garnet-purple colored, it rolls out of the glass with bright, energetic notes of redcurrants, black raspberries and Morello cherries, plus hints of menthol, roses and juicy plums, with a waft of lavender. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is elegant and perfumed, featuring fine-grained tannins and fantastic tension, finishing with loads of floral fireworks. Beautiful. – Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Advocate (Ocotber 2021) 95+ points
2018
The 2018 Red Blend H Block is a blend of 56% Cabernet Franc and 44% Merlot, co-fermented. Like all of the wines from Hudson, the H Block possesses striking aromatic complexity to match its mid-weight personality. Dried cherry, herbs, iron, tobacco and smoke are some of the many aromas and flavors that grace this wonderfully expressive red wine. Bright acids and clean, minerally notes frame this exquisite red from Arietta. – Antonio Galloni, Vinous (January 2021) 95 points
This is such a spectacular showcase of 56% Cabernet Franc and 44% Merlot, both from Hudson Vineyards in Carneros. Spicy in nutmeg and clove, with red and black currant layered throughout, it finishes on accents of cedar, violet and crushed rock. Best from 2028–2038. – Virginie Boone (January 2021) 95 points
2017
The 2017 Red Blend H Block is another gorgeous wine in this set of terrific 2017s from Arietta. The Cabernet Franc aromatics make a strong opening statement, before the richness and power of the Hudson Merlot kicks in on the mid-palate. Rich, inky and voluptuous, the H Block has so much to offer. Crème de cassis, chocolate, spice, leather, lavender and mint develop in the glass, but it is the wine’s textural richness that stands out most. – Antonio Galloni, Vinous (January 2021) 94 points
2016
The Cabernet Franc-dominated 2016 Red Blend H Block is also deeply colored and gives up a thrilling bouquet of cassis, blueberries, forest floor, crushed violets, and graphite. With full body, bright yet integrated acidity, thrilling purity of fruit and a great finish, it’s one seriously good Cabernet Franc to drink over the coming 15+ years. This cuvee is 70% Cabernet Franc and 30% Merlot aged in 68% new French oak. – Jeb Dunnuck (January 2019) 97 points
2015
Arietta’s 2015 H Block Hudson Vineyards, 75% Cabernet Franc and 25% Merlot co-fermented, is another gorgeous wine from Arietta in this vintage. Resonant, open-knit and seductive, the 2015 has much to offer. I would prefer to give the 2015 at least a few years in bottle to allow the aromatics to open up a bit more. Even so, the 2015 is pretty special today. – Antonio Galloni, Vinous (January 2018) 95 points
2014
The most expensive wine in the portfolio is the 2014 Proprietary Red H Block, a blend of 68% Cabernet Franc and 32% Merlot from the Hudson Vineyard in Los Carneros. A young, promising and youthful wine – elegance and power are combined in a deep ruby/purple wine with notes of forest floor, white flowers, blueberry, raspberry and firm tannin, but it is well-integrated and the wine medium to fullbodied with an almost ethereal delicacy when it moves across the palate. This is a beauty, still young and relatively unevolved, but promises to be sensational with another 3-5 years of bottle age and should keep for 20-25 years at the minimum. – Robert Parker (December 2016) 94+ points
2013
A deep, powerful wine, the 2013 H Block hits the palate with serious depth and intensity. Sweet red berries, mint, crushed flowers, anise and rose petal open up gradually, but it is the tannin profile of the Franc that really stands out. There is a lot to like here, but readers need to be patient. Today, the 2013 is incredibly aromatic and precise, but the wine’s pedigree is likely to take a few years to fully come through. – Antonio Galloni, Vinous (October 2015) 95+ points
2012
Mocha, red plums, spices and new leather meld together in the 2012 H Block, Arietta’s Cabernet Franc/Merlot blend. Soft, textured and silky on the palate, the 2012 impresses for its depth and creamy, resonant personality. This is another winner from Arietta. Texturally, the H Block is a bit softer in its contours than the Merlot. – Antonio Galloni (December 2014) 94 points
2011
Medium red ruby. Knockout perfume of raspberry, caramel, lead pencil, tobacco and licorice. Silky on entry, then vibrant and delineated in the middle palate, offering insinuating intensity to its flavors of dark berries, sandalwood and minerals. Combines a texture of liquid silk with uncanny energy and definition and a light touch. Finishes with outstanding building perfume and lift. A great and classic example of its vintage. – Steven Tanzer, Vinous (May 2014) 93 points
2009
Andy Erickson is the winemaker at Arietta, a project owned by Fritz Hatton, whom I have known for years in his role as one of this country’s most dynamic auctioneers. This was the first time I had tasted the Arietta wines comprehensively. The 2009 H Block Hudson Vineyards is a rich, deep and totally expressive. Dark red fruit, spices, mint and licorice are some of the notes that emerge from this beautifully delineated red. Sweet, silky tannins round out the elegant, supple finish. In 2009 the H Block is 78% Cabernet Franc and 22% Merlot. – Antonio Galloni, Vinous (December 2011) 92 points
2007
A prodigious wine, the 2007 Proprietary Red H Block Hudson Vineyard (a blend of 55% Cabernet Franc and 45% Merlot) boasts a deep purple color as well as a gorgeously sweet nose of lead pencil shavings intermixed with spring flowers, black raspberries, black currants, and incense. Deep and full-bodied with a stunning texture, sweet tannin, and superbly integrated acidity, alcohol, wood, and tannin, this 2007 should age effortlessly for 20+ years. – Robert Parker (December 2008) 95 points
Bright medium ruby. Expressive, very ripe aromas of black raspberry and smoke. Rich, broad and fat with fruit; compellingly thick and deep in the style of the vintage but with its ultimate character still hidden behind baby fat. Quite dense and fine-grained wine with enough juiciness and sweet tannins to give it the guts to age. This very nicely balanced blend is most impressive today on the long, building, thick finish. – Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar (June 2011) 94 points