2020 Variation One
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Tasting notes
A 50-50 blend of Merlot and Syrah, both grown at Hudson Ranch, Arietta's 2020 Variation One (Syrah / Merlot) offers up wonderfully pure and intense aromas of blueberries and cherries accented by hints of vanilla. Medium to full-bodied and slightly open-knit, this wine shows rather less structure than the others from Arietta but is attractive, juicy and fresh, with at least a solid 15 years of cellaring potential.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
One of the standouts in 2020 from Arietta is the 2020 Red Wine Variation One, an even split of Syrah and Merlot that was brought up in one-third new French oak. All from the Hudson Vineyard, it has a beautiful nose of bloody black and blue fruits, pepper, bouquet garni, and iron. These carry to a medium to full-bodied, supple, wonderfully elegant red with fine tannins and a great finish.
The 2020 Red Blend Variation One, equal parts Syrah and Merlot, is a powerful, driving wine. Red cherry fruit, white pepper, mint and exotic spice offer notable intensity. The tannins are quite, edgy, but, then again, this is 2020. Today, Variation One is a bruiser, but I am cautiously optimistic that time in bottle will help.