Arietta 1996. The debut wine for Arietta was a blend of two thirds Cabernet Franc from the Hudson H Block and one third Merlot. The wine exudes the charm of the 1996 vintage and displays forward aromatics and lively acidity. Of all the Ariettas the 1996 is closest to the wines of Bordeaux in weight and texture, and was very well received in a major blind tasting of First and Growth Bordeaux and cult California wines conducted in San Francisco just after release. It is readily identifiable as the only Arietta to include a hint of eucalyptus in the aromas. (290 cases)
