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.
Feb 21st, 2020
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
Lovely Syrah / merlot blend from the fine folks at Arietta. Doesn’t need more time, quite well balanced and integrated at this point. Surprisingly good acid. Inky dark with nice black fruit. Surprisingly good pairing with a variety of Vietnamese grilled meats.
Lovely Syrah / merlot blend from the fine folks at Arietta. Doesn’t need more time, quite well balanced and integrated at this point. Surprisingly good acid. Inky dark with nice black fruit. Surprisingly good pairing with a variety of Vietnamese grilled meats.
Feb 17th, 2024
Carneros, North Coast, California, USA
