Arietta Quartet 2009
With this fourth vintage, 2009 Arietta Red Wine “Quartet”, we introduce a new primary vineyard source: three acres of closely spaced vines planted by viticulturist David Abreu in 2003. The vineyard, located in the relatively cool climate of Coombsville, was planted as if it had been designed for Arietta Quartet: just under two acres of Cabernet Sauvignon (Clones 4 and 337), a half-acre of Merlot and a quarter acre each of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The fruit produces wine which is plush and classy without being heavy – ideal for Quartet, which is made to be approachable upon release. We spend many happy hours blending Arietta Quartet, which is composed of numerous small lots. The judicious addition of fruit from Arietta’s sources in Calistoga and Carneros adds depth, balance, and complexity. Ready to enjoy now, the Arietta Quartet 2009 should evolve beautifully in bottle for fi ve to ten years.
Notes from winemaker Andy Erickson:
“The Arietta Red Wine “Quartet” 2009 blends Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot in perfect harmony. The four Bordeaux varietals come together to form a richly layered, mouthwatering, very seductive wine. The Arietta Red Wine “Quartet” 2009 displays a bright, aromatic, expressive red and black fruit character which is a hallmark of the 2009 growing season. Notes of red currants, raspberry, licorice, and toasty oak provide a completely satisfying experience, even at this early stage in the wine’s life. The high fruit tones provided by the Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc are supported by the richer, darker aromas and flavors of Merlot and Petit Verdot, and together give the Arietta Quartet 2009 superb balance, rich texture, a broad spectrum of aromas and flavors, and a lingering fi nish.”
Blend: 62 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc, 17% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot
Fruit Sources: 70% Coombsville, 20% Carneros, 10% Calistoga
Cooperage: 60% new French oak, 40% second use French oak
Production: 1100 cases
Arietta Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
This is the sixth vintage of Arietta Cabernet Sauvignon and for sheer beauty at birth the finest produced to date. The core of the 2009 Arietta Cabernet Sauvignon is Cabernet Sauvignon from Arietta’s sensational southwest facing two acre block in Coombsville, situated in rolling volcanic terroir in the shadow of Mount George. Arietta Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 is most remarkable for its “velour,” or velvety and supple character which masks most of its tannin. This sophisticated wine has the majesty, depth and tannin to support an evolution in bottle for ten years or more.
Arietta White Wine On The White Keys 2009
When we imagined an ideal Arietta white wine five years ago the Arietta White Wine “On The White Keys” 2009 is exactly what we had in mind: a California grown and styled wine inspired by and able to stand shoulder to shoulder with the finest white wines of Bordeaux. This year’s offering, the best to date, features a fragrant perfume of orange blossom, lemon oil, and cardamom and a lively acidity which atomizes the fresh fruit character of the wine. The cool, long 2009 growing season delivered fruit with lower potential alcohol and great acid balance. The very slow barrel fermentation of the 2009 Arietta White Keys added breadth, depth and layering of flavors. This year we succeeded in arresting malolactic fermentation in the Sauvignon Blanc, allowing us to emphasize the grapefruit, lemon peel, and lychee notes on the palate. The Semillon, comprising 22% of this year’s blend, completed its malolactic fermentation, adding viscosity and persistence to the finish. The Arietta White Keys 2009 has been a sensational wine to drink since its bottling in early June, and should remain so for several more years at least. (350 cases)