Arietta H Block Hudson Vineyards Red Wine 2003
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BN#218179 |
Arietta
This wine demonstrates well the qualities that make the Arietta wines so distinctive: layering of flavors (complexity) and vibrancy (refreshing and well-integrated acidity).
International Wine Cellar
A 60/40 blend of cabernet franc and merlot. Ruby-red. Cool but ripe aromas of blackberry, blueberry, cassis and licorice. Wonderfully thick and dense but with superb life in the mouth. Compelling flavors of black fruits, with inner-palate floral lift. This is even lusher than the 2002. John Kongsgaard has figured out how to do something that too few California winemakers can do: make extraordinarily rich, layered wines that maintain vibrancy. A great showing today.
Score: 94-96.
—Stephen Tanzer,
Wine Advocate
The deep ruby/purple-hued 2003 Proprietary Red H Block Hudson Vineyard (a 500-case blend of 60% Cabernet Franc and 40% Merlot) exhibits a dense ruby/purple color as well as aromas of sassafras, underbrush, menthol, cassis, crushed rocks, and graphite. Although more closed than it was last year out of barrel, it reveals a beautiful texture, an explosively rich style, and a long, pure finish. I would not be surprised to see this wine merit a score in the mid-nineties once it sheds some of its tannin. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2020+. This partnership between winemaker John Kongsgaard and auctioneer Fritz Hatton has produced distinctive, singular wines, with the H Block a California version of Bordeaux's famed Cheval Blanc, and the Variation One a "who knows what the heck" blend of Merlot and Syrah. Think of it as a hybrid version of a Bordeaux Graves mixed with a Rhone Valley Hermitage. All of the current portfolio offerings are top-notch, although the 2004s are not up to the quality level of the last three vintages. 93+
Score: 93.
—Robert Parker,
December
2005.
All sizes are 750mL unless otherwise noted.
Vintages and ratings subject to change at any time.
All pricing and availability subject to change.
Artwork does not necessarily represent items for sale.
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