2013 Variation One
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Tasting notes
One of the most expressive 2013s today, the Variation One is intensely savory, aromatic and lifted, with beams of supporting tannin that extend the mid palate and finish nicely. Sweet rose petal, red cherry, mint, anise and licorice add layers of nuance. The 2013 is absolutely exquisite today.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Lastly, the 2013 Variation One is 52% Merlot and 48% Syrah, from proprietors Fritz and Caren Hatton. The wine is an enticing blend with plenty of blackberry, cocoa, a hint of chocolate and spice. It’s hard to define the rather big percentage of Syrah mixed in the blend. The wine has an opaque purple color, is rich, but also structured and tannic. Forget it for another 3-4 years and drink it over the following 20.
The 2013 Variation One, a blend of old-vine Merlot and Syrah from Hudson, is just as fabulous today as it was from barrel. An exuberant, flashy wine, the 2013 captures the intensity of the year in spades. The flavors are dark and bold, with aromatic overtones from the Syrah and voluptuousness from the Merlot. What a gorgeous wine this is.
The 2013 Red Blend Variation One is packed with dark red fruit, spice, leather, tobacco and menthol. Dense and potent, the 2013 races across the palate with copious dark fruit, spice, leather, cedar, tobacco and incense. Here, too, the aromatics are a touch forward, and yet the 2013 retains terrific textural depth to pull it all together.