Arietta
Variation One Red Blend
Carneros, North Coast, California, USA
This week our group tasted nine Cabs from arround the world, all from 2001. Really interesting what 20 years of aging can do depending on the terroir. This gorgeous Arrieta had a nose of smoked meat and almost reminded me of a top Pinot. my #2
This week our group tasted nine Cabs from arround the world, all from 2001. Really interesting what 20 years of aging can do depending on the terroir. This gorgeous Arrieta had a nose of smoked meat and almost reminded me of a top Pinot. my #2
Aug 29th, 2021
Finally getting around to posting wines from my annual Napa trip from two weeks ago. Always goes by quick! Lots of fun new stops this year.
Our visit to Arietta was one of the favorite visits of our trip. I had the pleasure of attending an Arietta lunch a couple months ago with owner Fritz, and a lot of the wines we had during our visit were poured during the lunch (2017 White Keys, 2016 Merlot, 2016 H Block, 2006 H Block) which I posted about back in November.
Close to pushing this to a 9.5. Everything in check and firing on all cylinders. This is a good balance between cool climate Cali Syrah and Walla Walla Syrah. It shows wonderfully lifted and perfumed aromatics of potpourri, wild smoked game, licorice and rhubarb tart. Nicely integrated and beautiful fruit paired with savory peppercorn, cherry jerky, sweet tobacco smoke and a good balance of tannin and acidity. Structure is here to cruise for a few years, but I think this is at peak.
Finally getting around to posting wines from my annual Napa trip from two weeks ago. Always goes by quick! Lots of fun new stops this year.
Our visit to Arietta was one of the favorite visits of our trip. I had the pleasure of attending an Arietta lunch a couple months ago with owner Fritz, and a lot of the wines we had during our visit were poured during the lunch (2017 White Keys, 2016 Merlot, 2016 H Block, 2006 H Block) which I posted about back in November.
Close to pushing this to a 9.5. Everything in check and firing on all cylinders. This is a good balance between cool climate Cali Syrah and Walla Walla Syrah. It shows wonderfully lifted and perfumed aromatics of potpourri, wild smoked game, licorice and rhubarb tart. Nicely integrated and beautiful fruit paired with savory peppercorn, cherry jerky, sweet tobacco smoke and a good balance of tannin and acidity. Structure is here to cruise for a few years, but I think this is at peak.
Arietta Wines lunch with owner Fritz. We were able to taste through some current releases as well as some reserve wines Fritz brought with him personally. A treat to enjoy these Andy Erickson wines!
Definitely the most fun wine on the table. Merlot and Syrah blend. I believe this is around the time John Kongsgaard was leaving and Andy Erickson was arriving. Quite wild, and both sweet and savory. Black cherry tart, peppercorn crusted rhubarb, red licorice, and a sweet smoke to the nose. Tangy red fruits, espresso and cocoa bits on the palate with a finish that shows tea leaf and fig. Delicious!
Arietta Wines lunch with owner Fritz. We were able to taste through some current releases as well as some reserve wines Fritz brought with him personally. A treat to enjoy these Andy Erickson wines!
Definitely the most fun wine on the table. Merlot and Syrah blend. I believe this is around the time John Kongsgaard was leaving and Andy Erickson was arriving. Quite wild, and both sweet and savory. Black cherry tart, peppercorn crusted rhubarb, red licorice, and a sweet smoke to the nose. Tangy red fruits, espresso and cocoa bits on the palate with a finish that shows tea leaf and fig. Delicious!
Big party with lots of great wines. This unusual blend of Merlot and Syrah really works here. Color a bit lighter than expected but taste is mouth filling without being unbalanced or overly fruity. Seems like this would pair well with any dish that calls for red wine. Softened and ready to drink. An hour of air fully displays this.
Big party with lots of great wines. This unusual blend of Merlot and Syrah really works here. Color a bit lighter than expected but taste is mouth filling without being unbalanced or overly fruity. Seems like this would pair well with any dish that calls for red wine. Softened and ready to drink. An hour of air fully displays this.
Jun 17th, 2019
Excellent structure, notes of baked black cherries, black raspberry and violets, long finish
Excellent structure, notes of baked black cherries, black raspberry and violets, long finish
Nov 20th, 2017
Dry af and balanced. The tannins are huge. Can't imagine it when it was younger
Dry af and balanced. The tannins are huge. Can't imagine it when it was younger
1 person found it helpfulAug 26th, 2016
Syrah and Merlot, shades of grey dynamic!!
Syrah and Merlot, shades of grey dynamic!!
1 person found it helpfulMar 13th, 2013
Still has plenty of life. Tannic and elegant, robust, fruity mid palate. Could cellar for another five years easy.
Still has plenty of life. Tannic and elegant, robust, fruity mid palate. Could cellar for another five years easy.
Feb 15th, 2017A seductive and rich nose was rudely overwhelmed by an alcoholic and rough finish on the palate. #arieta #napavalley #merlot #syrah #california #ctbucklinwine
A seductive and rich nose was rudely overwhelmed by an alcoholic and rough finish on the palate. #arieta #napavalley #merlot #syrah #california #ctbucklinwine
Jul 15th, 2016