2016 Variation One
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Tasting notes
Based on a 61% Syrah and 39% Merlot that was all co-fermented, the 2016 Red Wine Variation One is a big, rich 2016 that’s loaded with ripe cherry and currant fruits as well as notes of chocolate, game, and pepper. It's beautifully done, with a singular, full-bodied character, fine tannins, and a great finish.
Critic scores
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Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
A blend of 61% Syrah and 39% Merlot, the 2016 Variation One (Syrah / Merlot) has a deep garnet-purple color and intense black cherries, black plums and blackberries scents with cracked pepper, herbs, garrigue and fertile loam plus a waft charcuterie. The palate is medium to full-bodied, elegant and fragrant with plush tannins and a long, peppery finish.
The 2016 Red Wine Variation One Hudson Vineyard is very closed down today. Even so, the radiance and fruit-forwardness of the Merlot does come through from time to time. Of all the wines in this range, the Variation One appears to have suffered the most in bottling, and yet occasional glimpses of the brilliance it showed from barrel appear, especially as the Syrah aromatics start to open up. Readers should be in no rush to open bottles.
The 2016 Red Wine Variation One Hudson Vineyard, equal parts Merlot and Syrah, is very young. Next to the other wines in the range, the Variation One comes across as not fully formed just yet. Varietal Syrah notes of game, pepper, sage and tobacco emerge from the glass, but only with reluctance. The savory, nuanced finish suggests the 2016 will age gracefully for many years to come.