2019
The 2019 Variation One is another captivating wine in this range. Here, the Syrah has such a strong imprint. Savory herbs, inky dark fruit, wild herbs, game, iron and scorched earth all come alive in the glass. The 2019 is simply an exciting, alluring Napa Valley red. Savor it over the next 10-15 years. – Antonio Galloni, Vinous (January 2021) 95-97 points
2018
The 2018 Variation One is positively stellar. Deep, inky and explosive, with striking depth, the 2018 is a meaty, powerful wine loaded with character. Black cherry fruit, chocolate, game, licorice and dried wild herbs infuse the 2018 with tremendous density. Co-fermented Syrah and Merlot are magical here. The 2018 opens beautifully with a bit of time in the glass, but its best days clearly lie ahead. – Antonio Galloni, Vinous (January 2021) 96 points
Blending 58% Syrah with 42% Merlot both grown on Hudson Vineyard, this is an intriguing, impressively structured and powerful wine with enduring grace. It opens in garrigue, iron and oak, with refined, supple and supportive tannins. Black pepper and espresso come to a peak on the long finish, meshing perfectly with the underlying acidity. – Virginie Boone, The Wine Enthusiast (Janaury 2021) 95 points
2016
The 2016 Red Wine Variation One Hudson Vineyard, equal parts Merlot and Syrah, is very young. Next to the other wines in the range, the Variation One comes across as not fully formed just yet. Varietal Syrah notes of game, pepper, sage and tobacco emerge from the glass, but only with reluctance. The savory, nuanced finish suggests the 2016 will age gracefully for many years to come. – Antonio Galloni, Vinous (January 2018) 93-96 points
2014
Arietta Red Wine Variation One The 2014 Red Wine Variation One is all finesse. Today the flavors are naturally bright and primary, with notable intensity throughout, while the tannins are silky and polished. Even so, the 2014 needs time to be at its best. Like so many 2014s, the Variation One appears to have clamped down after bottling. – Antonio Galloni, Vinous (May 2017) 94 points
2013
The 2013 Variation One, a blend of old-vine Merlot and Syrah from Hudson, is just as fabulous today as it was from barrel. An exuberant, flashy wine, the 2013 captures the intensity of the year in spades. The flavors are dark and bold, with aromatic overtones from the Syrah and voluptuousness from the Merlot. What a gorgeous wine this is. – Antonio Galloni, Vinous (October 2015) 96 points
2012
Another rich, extroverted wine, the 2012 Variation One jumps from the glass with exuberant blue and black stone fruit, herbs and new leather. The blend of Syrah and Merlot works beautifully here. Powerful, explosive and enveloping, the Variation One will offer a wide window of pure drinking pleasure over the next 10-15 years. There is so much to like here. – Antonio Galloni, Vinous (December 2014) 94 points
2010
The 2010 Variation One is another animal altogether. A unique blend of 67% Syrah and 33% Merlot, it exhibits a healthy blue/purple color along with notes of spring flowers, charcuterie, camphor, black currants and a vivid meatiness. If tasted blind, it would not be easy to guess that two-thirds of this rich, textured, full blend is Syrah. Drink this beauty now or cellar it for 10-15 years. – Robert Parker (October 2013) 94 points
2009
The 2009 Variation One (Syrah/Merlot) is soft and caressing from start to finish. The fruit is a bit understated in this delicate, feminine wine. Crushed flowers, red fruit and tobacco are layered nicely into the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019. – Antonio Galloni, Vinous (December 2011) 93 points