2010 Variation One
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Tasting notes
The 2010 Red Wine Variation One is just beginning to show the first signs of early tertiary nuance and aromatic complexity. Pomegranate, sweet red plum and spice give the 2010 its decidedly exotic personality, an impression that is reinforced by the rich, super-ripe fruit profile. Bold and juicy, but with plenty of supporting tannin, the 2010 is a wonderfully complete wine.
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Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
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Arietta's 2010 Variation One, a Syrah/Merlot blend, is laced with earthiness, tobacco, smoke, licorice and game, a sort of blend of Syrah aromatics and Merlot juiciness. If that sounds compelling, well, it is. The 2010 impresses for its depth, palate presence and intensity. Rich and explosive through to the finish, the Variation One dazzles today.
The 2010 Variation One is another animal altogether. A unique blend of 67% Syrah and 33% Merlot, it exhibits a healthy blue/purple color along with notes of spring flowers, charcuterie, camphor, black currants and a vivid meatiness. If tasted blind, it would not be easy to guess that two-thirds of this rich, textured, full blend is Syrah. Drink this beauty now or cellar it for 10-15 years. This wine’s dense purple color is followed by abundant aromas of creme de cassis, licorice, subtle smoke, and a truffle-infused earthiness. Tel. (707) 963-5918
(a 67/33 blend of syrah and merlot): Good deep, bright ruby-red. Musky, very ripe aromas of black raspberry, spicecake, menthol and meat; just this side of roasted. Large-scaled, plush and rich, with the wild meaty quality carrying through in the mouth. Impressively big, thick wine, but can't match the 88 Keys for lift. Finishes with ripe, building tannins and excellent persistence. (There is no H Block in 2010, as the cabernet franc was hit by branch necrosis as a result of the severe heat spike in late August.)