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  • 2003 Arietta - H Block Hudson Vineyard

2003 Arietta - H Block Hudson Vineyard

UNITED STATES / CALIFORNIA / NAPA
  • 94 WA
  • 92 IWC
  • Variety
    Proprietary Blend
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SKU: 70214-2003-750-3A
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  • International Wine Cellar | Rating: 92

    ($125) Good full ruby-red. Brooding, pure aromas of black fruits, licorice and shoe polish; this smells like young, austere Bordeaux. Then slightly reduced and tightly wound in the mouth and currently dominated by its powerful structure. There are intense black fruits here, but the wine is in an awkward stage today, with the tannins currently dominating. Almost certainly better than it's showing: I'd wait at least three or four years before pulling the cork.
    Author: Stephen Tanzer
    Issue: May/June 2006

  • Wine Advocate | Rating: 93

    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+.
    Author: Robert Parker
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  • Self | Rating: 94

    big wine with chocolate and coffee...still very chewy...definitely a food wine and go much longer
    Author: qiiidad

  • Self | Rating:

    not notable
    Author: NCL

  • Self | Rating: 89

    Pleasing bouquet but falls short on the palette. Thick and harsh with immature tannins, almost hot for only 14.1% alcohol. Fruit weak and (therefore I do not believe it will improve much) and although a very long finish, not a terribly pleasant one. Disappointing overall.
    Author: Pierre T184
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Not quite a newcomer, in terms of the powers behind it, Arietta was founded in 1996 as a partnership between renowned winemaker John Kongsgaard, his wife Maggy, and wine auctioneer Fritz Hatton. The Hudson Ranch (Napa/Carneros) provides the mostly Cabernet Franc of H Block and the Merlot and Syrah of Variation One. Make sure to try some of their first foray into the realm of white On The White Keys which is made from hillside Sauvignon Blanc and old vine Semillon.

See other similar producers:Tamber Bey Vineyards,Hartwell Estate,Scholium Project
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California is the heartland of wine production in the US, and the state that brought prestige to American wine thanks to the pioneers who built early wineries like Staglin, Beringer, Ridge, Mayacamas and Chateau Montelena in the 1800s. Its large geographic area ensures a great diversity in growing sites, varieties grown, and quality levels. Generalizations about the state's wines have numerous exceptions; however, a few key facts generally hold true—ample sunshine, dry weather during the growing season, and moderate winters prevail. Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon continue to dominate the state's production—albeit in continually smaller percentages, as growers continue to diversify. More than 100 different varieties can be found throughout the state.

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Collector Data For This Wine

  • 496 bottles owned
  • 103 collectors
  • Average collector rating: 92
    (Out of 103 collectors)