2022 Variation One
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
An interesting mix of 63% Syrah and the rest Merlot, all from the Hudson Vineyard, the 2022 Variation One is another impressive wine from Erickson that has medium to full-bodied richness, a round, layered, nicely balanced mouthfeel, some classy darker fruits, herbes de Provence, black olive, and peppery nuances, and soft, nicely integrated tannins. It's an undeniable success in the vintage and will keep for at least 10-12 years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Arietta's 2022 Variation One is a co-fermented blend of 63% Syrah and 37% Merlot aged 20 months in one-third new French oak. The nose boasts lovely Syrah violets, some stone fruit-like notes, cherries, tobacco and a thyme-like herbal edge, while the full-bodied palate is supple, with a lingering, elegant finish. It's a unique and very enjoyable red wine.
Mostly Syrah (there's a good bit of Merlot in there), the 2022 Red Wine Variation One is another lush, upfront, incredibly sexy barrel sample that has a wealth of fruit, some gamey, peppery notes, medium to full body, and a seamless mouthfeel. It's in the forward, lush style of the vintage.
The 2022 Red Blend Variation One is the wine in this range that most reflects the intense heat and drought of the year. Ripe red fruit, blood orange, spice, leather and tobacco open first. This shows good depth, with some angularity in the contours—a signature of this freakish vintage.