Arietta Red Wine H Block Hudson Vineyards 2005. A sensational wine, the product of the greatest vintage for Cabernet Franc in Arietta’s ten-year history. This year’s blend of 80% Cabernet Franc and 20% Merlot harks back to the other “high Franc” vintage for Arietta, the superb 1997. One hundred percent co-fermented, the Arietta H Block Hudson Vineyards 2005 displays great balance, tactility, and persistence. Critic Stephen Tanzer notes “Bright ruby. Cassis, licorice, and violet on the nose. Silky and noble on entry, then penetrating, intense, and sharply defined, offering an uncanny combination of opulence, power, and cut. Captivating violet and dark chocolate notes. Finishes with big, broad tannins, superb spine and building length.” Production: 400 cases
Arietta Red Wine Variation One 2005. The first ever “reverse blend” for Arietta Variation One, the 2005 is an entirely co-fermented blend of 70% Syrah and 30% Merlot, all from Arietta’s carefully selected blocks on the meticulously farmed Hudson Ranch in Napa/Carneros. The 2005 Arietta Variation One’s rich aromas of bacon fat, earth, smoke, violets graphite, plums, and wild blackberries remind us of a top-class Hermitage. Tanzer notes: “Very ripe, syrah-dominated aromas of black fruits, chocolate and meat. Lush, thick and sweet, with an opulence of texture leavened by the wine’s serious tannic clout. This compellingly deep, chewy wine offers outstanding potential.” Production: 400 cases
Arietta Cabernet Sauvignon 2005. Our third Cabernet Sauvignon and the best to date, from Howell Mountain fruit farmed with bonsai-like precision by celebrated viticulturist David Abreu. The 2005 Arietta Cabernet Sauvignon includes 16% Cabernet Franc and 8% Petit Verdot. Critic Stephen Tanzer notes: “Expressive nose melds currant, blackberry, licorice pastille and chocolatey oak, hinting at an almost medicinal character. Suave on entry, then sweet, thick and pliant on the middle palate, with superb concentration and richness supported by a powerful spine of ripe tannins. This boasts compelling sweetness and a texture of velvet without going over the top, thanks in large part to the natural freshness of the vintage.” Production: 350 cases
Arietta Claret 2005. Arietta Claret is a blend of Bordeaux varietals sourced primarily from vineyards farmed on Howell Mountain by David Abreu. This year’s wine also includes Merlot from Arietta’s “N” Block on the Hudson Ranch in Napa/Carneros. The final blend is 68% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 6% Petit Verdot. The 2005 Arietta Claret is remarkable for its decadent aromas of black fruits, mingled with notes of forest floor, sage, graphite, and baked bread. On the palate the wine brightens to include flavors of cherry and other red fruits, and sweet citrus. The beautiful sheen of the wine masks its considerable grip and intensity which, along with an incredibly long fruit-driven finish, indicate a long evolution in bottle for the Arietta Claret 2005. Production: 350 cases
Arietta White Wine “On The White Keys” 2005. The first ever Arietta white wine is a white Bordeaux-styled blend of 65% Sauvignon Blanc and 35% Semillon. The Sauvignon Blanc is from selected rows of three blocks of a rare hillside planting of Sauvignon Blanc in the cool “Bennett Gap” area of Sonoma Mountain. The fruit from this site is remarkably minerally and intense. The Semillon is sourced from two tiny blocks of old vines reserved for Arietta by noted Napa/Carneros grower Larry Hyde, and contributes notes of honey and flowers, as well as richness and length to the wine. Arietta “On The White Keys” can be enjoyed upon release (best if placed in carafe or decanter for aeration prior to serving) and should age well in bottle for at least three years after the vintage. (350 cases)