2012 Arietta Quartet Red
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Tasting notes
Dark red cherry, plum, mocha, tobacco and licorice wrap around the palate as the 2012 Quartet shows off its racy, voluptuous personality. This is an especially supple, flamboyant vintage for the Quartet.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
A soft, sensual wine, the 2012 Quartet is a great introduction to the Arietta wines in this vintage. Silky tannins and soft contours give the 2012 tons of early appeal. Dark red stone fruits, spices, licorice and mint are some of the many notes that meld into the finish in this strikingly beautiful Bordeaux blend.
The 2012 Proprietary Red Blend Quartet is composed of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Cabernet Franc, 18% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. Approximately one-third new French oak is used, and the wine is aged 20 months (the standard barrel aging time seen not only in Napa, but also in Bordeaux and Tuscany – for Bordeaux varietal blends). Complex notes of graphite, plums, licorice, blackcurrants, mulberries and cherries emerge from this medium-bodied red along with sweet, integrated tannin, fresh acids and a long, heady, rich finish. This top-notch 2012 is still youthful and should drink well for 12-15 years.
(a blend of 58% cabernet sauvignon, 21% cabernet franc, 19% merlot and 2% petit verdot): Bright ruby-red. Raspberry, mocha, licorice and cola spices on the nose; less peppery than the 2011 version and showing attractive cabernet franc violety lift. At once dense and delineated, with excellent energy and penetration to the ripe dark berry and spice flavors. Finishes long and firm, with the balance to age.