2009 Arietta H Block Hudson Vineyard
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Tasting notes
Full medium ruby. High-pitched aromas of blueberry, black pepper and bitter chocolate; distinct hints of a cooler summer. Juicy, primary wine with excellent energy to its dark berry, spice, bitter chocolate and espresso flavors. Not at all a thick style but boasts sneaky density and depth of texture. Evolving slowly and still rather unevolved, this wine conveys an impression of firm acidity that should keep it alive for many more years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2009 Red Wine H Block is soft, open-knit and gracious, as all these wines are. Silky tannins wrap around a core of plump, generous fruit in the 2009. Early tertiary aromatics have begun to develop, but the 2009 still has plenty of life ahead, as the fruit is rich and succulent. This is a vintage built on finesse and polish.
(a 78/22 blend of cabernet franc and merlot, co-fermented): Bright, medium red-ruby. Musky aromas of blueberry and flowers; slightly high-toned in a Right Bank way. Lively and youthfully tight, with bright peppery acidity currently dominating the wine's texture. Finishes brisk and a tad dry. In a distinctly cool style.
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. The 2009 H Block Hudson Vineyards is a rich, deep and totally expressive. Dark red fruit, spices, mint and licorice are some of the notes that emerge from this beautifully delineated red. Sweet, silky tannins round out the elegant, supple finish. In 2009 the H Block is 78% Cabernet Franc and 22% Merlot.