Arietta Variation One 2001 Front Bottle Shot
Arietta Variation One 2001 Front Bottle Shot Arietta Variation One 2001 Front Label

Winemaker Notes

A tremendous effort. Vivid, complex aromas, with dense, rich and well-defined fruit flavors. Excellent structure and acidity. Fine tannins and a beautiful core of currant, tar, raspberry, cherry and nutmeg scents. The finish sails on and on. Merlot and Syrah. Drink now through 2010. 600 cases made. (JL)

Professional Ratings

  • 93

    A blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Syrah, the 2001 Variation One exhibits sweet, flowery, blackberry and cassis flavors with chocolate and leather in the background. This big, full-bodied, opulent, layered, multidimensional 2001 needs 2-3 years of cellaring. It should drink well for 1-2 decades.

Arietta

Arietta

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Undoubtedly proving its merit over and over, Napa Valley is a now a leading force in the world of prestigious red wine regions. Though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley, other red varieties certainly thrive here. Important but often overlooked include Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties well-regarded on their own as well as for their blending capacities. Very old vine Zinfandel represents an important historical stronghold for the region and Pinot noir is produced in the cooler southern parts, close to the San Pablo Bay.

Perfectly situated running north to south, the valley acts as a corridor, pulling cool, moist air up from the San Pablo Bay in the evenings during the hot days of the growing season, which leads to even and slow grape ripening. Furthermore the valley claims over 100 soil variations including layers of volcanic, gravel, sand and silt—a combination excellent for world-class red wine production.

DHY62410_2001 Item# 62410