2009 Variation One
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
An attractive wine for drinking today, the 2009 Red Wine Variation One has lost some of its primary intensity, and is now starting to show the first signs of tertiary development. Sweet tobacco, worn-in leather, smoke, licorice and dried red cherry all flesh out nicely. This is another highly appealing and delicious 2009 from Arietta.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(58% syrah and 42% merlot): Bright red. Knockout sexy, wild nose combines crushed blackberry, minerals and game; I might have picked this as Hermitage. Then intensely flavored, sappy and powerful, with savory dark berry and game flavors framed and lifted by black peppery acidity. No easy sweetness here. Finishes very long, saline and firmly tannic, with resounding notes of pepper and game. I'd hold this wonderfully perfumed wine for at least five or six years before pulling the cork. Very Old World in style.
The 2009 Variation One (Syrah/Merlot) is soft and caressing from start to finish. The fruit is a bit understated in this delicate, feminine wine. Crushed flowers, red fruit and tobacco are layered nicely into the finish.
The 2009 Variation One (Syrah/Merlot) is soft and caressing from start to finish. The fruit is a bit understated in this delicate, feminine wine. Crushed flowers, red fruit and tobacco are layered nicely into the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019. Andy Erickson is the winemaker at Arietta, a project owned by Fritz Hatton, whom I have known for years in his role as one of this country’s most dynamic auctioneers. This was the first time I had tasted the Arietta wines comprehensively. Tel. (707) 963-5918