2007 Arietta Quartet Red
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Tasting notes
Mocha, espresso, menthol and licorice wrap around a core of voluptuous fruit in the 2007 Quartet. Fully mature, or close to it, the 2007 has enough pure intensity and depth to drink well for at least another few years. At nearly ten years of age, the 2007 has aged gracefully.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(51% merlot, 36% cabernet sauvignon, 8% cabernet franc and 5% petit verdot; from David Abreu's Howell Mountain vineyard and Hudson Vineyard fruit) Good red-ruby color. Ripe, sweet aromas of currant, cherry, coffee and chocolate, with an enticing floral element. Broad and sweet in the mouth, with currant and chocolate flavors dominating. Conveys an impression of low acidity yet there's no shortage of energy here. Finishes with dusty, soft tannins that will not get in the way of enjoying this wine early. Aged in 100% new oak, but the percentage for subsequent vintages will be 75% to 80%, according to proprietor Fritz Hatton.
For an Arietta wine, the 2007 Quartet is an atypically straightforward, one-dimensional offering. Andy Erickson makes these wines for the well-known auctioneer, classical pianist, and wine personality Fritz Hatton. Tel. (707) 963-5918; Fax (707) 963-5919
Good deep red. Aromas of black fruits, dark chocolate and licorice. Sweet, lush and generous, with complex and enticing flavors of black raspberry, chocolate and roasted herbs. This is deeper than the 2006 and finishes with noble tannins and impressive lingering sweetness. Winemaker Erickson describes 2007 as "more classically ripe and balanced than 2006. It has all the elements, with big ripeness." (My sample of the 2007 Hudson Vineyards merlot was too low in SO2 to assess with confidence.)