2009 Arietta H Block Hudson Vineyards Proprietary Red Napa Valley

Pro Reviews

Vinous Media (VM)

(a 78/22 blend of cabernet franc and merlot, co-fermented): Bright, medium red-ruby. Musky aromas of blueberry and flowers; slightly high-toned in a Right Bank way. Lively and youthfully tight, with bright peppery acidity currently dominating the wine’s texture. Finishes brisk and a tad dry. In a distinctly cool style. (Incidentally, owner Fritz Hatton and winemaker Andy Erickson have decided not to bottle a 2010 version of this wine. According to Erickson, two-thirds of the cabernet franc was lost in a single day to the heat spike in late August, and the remaining fruit was harvested six weeks later.)

Wine Advocate (WA)

The 2009 H Block Hudson Vineyards is rich, deep and totally expressive. Dark red fruit, spices, mint and licorice are some of the notes that emerge from this beautifully delineated red. Sweet, silky tannins round out the elegant, supple finish. In 2009 the H Block is 78% Cabernet Franc and 22% Merlot. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019.