2016 Arietta H Block Hudson Vineyard
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A co-fermented mix of 70% Cabernet Franc and 30% Merlot, all from the Hudson Vineyard in Carneros, the 2016 Red Wine H Block Hudson Vineyards is a beauty that just sings of high-class Cabernet Franc with its forest floor, leafy herbs, iron, truffle, and sweet red and black fruits. With an incredible seamlessness, full body, awesome tannins, and a great finish, it's going to shine for two decades.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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The 2016 H Block Hudson Vineyards, Arietta's Cabernet Franc/Merlot blend, has really shut down post bottling. That is probably a very good thing for its long-term prospects. Beams of tannin give the wine energy and thrust. Time in the glass brings out attractive floral and spice notes, but above all else, the H Block is a potent, virile wine that needs time in bottle to be at its very best. This is an impressive showing to say the least.
Composed of 70% Cabernet Franc and 30% Merlot, the 2016 Proprietary Red H Block is deep purple-black in color and a little youthfully shy to begin, unfurling to reveal stunning blackberries, black raspberries, kirsch and cassis scents with touches of cigar box and underbrush. The full-bodied palate is relatively restrained with loads of savory layers superbly framed by ripe, fine-grained tannins, finishing long and mineral tinged.
Arietta's 2016 H Block Hudson Vineyards is rich, ample and generous on the palate, most likely the result of the higher percentage of Merlot in the blend this year. A wine of total allure, the H Block will prove to be utterly irresistible upon release. Even so, I would prefer to give it a few years to come into its own. In 2016, the blend is 60% Cabernet Franc and 40% Merlot.