Arietta Quartet 2007
Arietta’s evolution continues with the release of the “new” Arietta Quartet 2007. This wine, with a new price point and a new label inspired by next generation Arietta owner Libby Hatton, is an irresistible blend of Bordeaux varietals from Arietta’s portfolio of first-class blocks in Napa vineyards. The composition of the wine is 51% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot. Critic Robert Parker advocates the Arietta Quartet 2007: “The dense purple-hued 2007 Quartet possesses abundant notes of sweet cassis interwoven with acacia flowers and crushed rocks. Deep and medium to full-bodied with excellent texture, richness, and sweetness, it should drink beautifully for two decades or more.”
Arietta Red Wine Variation One 2007
The Arietta Red Wine Variation One 2007, Arietta’s distinctive and dynamic “marriage of opposites,” is a co-fermented blend of 55% Syrah and 45% Merlot, from the finest rows on the Hudson Ranch. The 2007 tops the critics’ charts. Parker writes: “A sensational effort, the 2007 Variation One displays a vivid, super-fragrant perfume of bouquet garni, white chocolate, blackberries, plums, and subtle smoky oak. Full-bodied with silky tannins, a decadent opulence, and a sumptuous texture, this is a head-turning, full-bodied, expressive wine to enjoy over the next 15-20 years.”
Arietta Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
The core of the Arietta Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 is Cabernet Sauvignon from the sensational Arietta Block in Coombsville. This small cool-climate viticultural area (about four square miles) just east of the town of Napa is the source of spectacularly good Bordeaux varietals, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon, which flourishes in the volcanic ash at the foot of Mount Saint George. Arietta winemaker Andy Erickson caps the Arietta block’s production at two and a half tons per acre in order to assure uniform ripeness and concentrated flavors at harvest. The beautiful harmonics of the Arietta Cabernet 2007 gain additional complexity and overtones through the addition of Cabernet Franc (17%) and Petit Verdot (3%). Critic Steve Tanzer notes: “Bright, saturated ruby. Vibrant aromas of black fruits and licorice. Densely packed and shapely, with good floral complexity and definition to the highly concentrated dark fruit and mineral flavors. A very young and gripping cabernet with noble tannins and superb length.” Production of this wine is 250 cases and distribution is limited to Arietta’s mailing list.
Arietta Red Wine H Block Hudson Vineyards 2007
Of the Arietta Red Wine H Block Hudson Vineyards 2007, critic Robert Parker writes: “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.”
Arietta White Wine On The White Keys 2007
Arietta’s distinctive white wine, “On The White Keys,” makes its third appearance in the 2007 vintage. The blend of the 2007 White Keys (81% Sauvignon Blanc and 19% Semillon) fits the profile of the previous vintage, with greater intensity of flavor, thanks to superb harvest conditions in Arietta’s rare hillside blocks of Sauvignon Blanc on Sonoma Mountain. The bright aromas and flavors of grapefruit, pear, fresh-cut hay and white pepper are lengthened and broadened with the addition of old-vine Semillon from Hyde Vineyards in Napa/Carneros. The Semillon adds aromas of flowers and flavors of honey, and further balances the wine by providing a more viscous texture. Barrel fermented in French oak (30% new) and stainless steel barrels, Arietta On The White Keys 2007 has the complexity, power, and length to complement a wide range of foods, including fish, cheese, and vegetable dishes (even artichokes!). Production: 350 cases