Arietta Quartet Reviews

2018

The 2018 Red Blend Quartet is plump, juicy and forward, all of which make it an absolute joy to taste now. Black cherry, plum, mocha, chocolate, spice and licorice flesh out in this succulent red blend from Arietta. Bright floral notes and a kick of red fruit liven up the finish. – Antonio Galloni (January 2021) 92 points

This blends 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot into a cohesive whole of complex structure and grace. Cedar, pencil shavings, iron and crushed rock provide a savory foundation complemented by lush richness in the form of dense blueberry, dark chocolate and nutmeg. Enjoy best from 2028–2035. – Virginie Boone (January 2021) 95 points

2017

The 2017 Red Blend Quartet is a delicious, easygoing red from Arietta. Expressive floral and savory notes add character and meld into a core of ripe red plum fruit. Cedar, sweet pipe tobacco, mint, crushed flowers and sweet spice all come together in a pliant, aromatic wine that is impeccable in its balance. This is a very pretty and expressive entry-level wine from Arietta that over delivers. – Antonio Galloni (January 2020) 91 points

2016

Winemaker Andy Erickson coaxes beautiful fruit and structure from this blend, many of the grapes from Coombsville and Carneros. Juicy and weighty on the palate in blackberry and blueberry, it offers firm integrated tannin and undeniable elegance, with lovely teases of dried herb, graphite and exotic spice. – The Wine Enthusiast, Virginie Boone (December 2019) 95 points, Editor’s Choice

2015

Tasted after the other 2015s in this range, the Quartet, Arietta’s entry-level offering, does not show a demonstrably significant drop in quality, which is probably the highest compliment I can pay it. Hints of raspberry jam, cedar, smoke and licorice add shades of nuance throughout. What a pretty wine this is. – Antonio Galloni (January 2018) 93 points

2014

The 2014 Proprietary Red Quartet, a blend of 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot, is a wonderfully juicy wine showing plenty of cherries, blackcurrants, spice, supple tannins and a whiff of oak in the background. The wine is round and borderline opulent, but elegant, complex and already charming and seductive drinking. The color is deep ruby, plum/purple. This is a quintessentially elegant wine that can be found in Northern California and certainly Fritz Hatton has done it. Drink it over the next 8-10 years. – Robert Parker (December 2016) 91 points

2013

Complex notes of blackberry, cherry and spice all jump from the glass of this intriguing Bordeaux blend. The wine hides its new oak well, has a dense, ruby/purple color to the rim, is refreshing, elegant and stylish, despite its obvious power and richness. With a very juicy finish, this is promising. – Robert Parker (December 2015) 93+ points

2012

Complex notes of graphite, plums, licorice, blackcurrants, mulberries and cherries emerge from this medium-bodied red along with sweet, integrated tannin, fresh acids and a long, heady, rich finish. This top-notch 2012 is still youthful and should drink well for 12-15 years. – Robert Parker (October 2014) 93 points

2011

The 2011 Quartet is the most complete of Arietta’s reds in this vintage. Dark red fruit, sweet tobacco, incense, licorice and spices meld together in a bright, mid-weight wine best enjoyed over the next handful of years. The blend is 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. – Antonio Galloni (November 2013) 93 points

2010

The 2010 Quartet is composed of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Floral, blueberry, black raspberry, and mountain fruit-like aromas jump from the glass of this dense purple-colored 2010. Juicy and full-bodied with impressive purity and breadth, it cuts a broad swath across the palate. This hedonistic and intellectual turn-on can be approached now, or cellared for another 15+ years. – Robert Parker (October 2013) 93 points

2009

The 2009 Quartet caresses the palate with silky red berries, flowers, licorice and spices. This is a mid-weight, radiant Quartet loaded with class and personality. In 2009 the blend is 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc, 17% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019.” – Antonio Galloni (December 2011) 91 points

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