2015 Arietta "Quartet" Proprietary Red
Napa Valley, California
93 points Vinous – “Tasted after the other 2015s in this range, the Quartet, Arietta's entry-level offering, does not show a demonstrably significant drop in quality, which is probably the highest compliment I can pay it. Hints of raspberry jam, cedar, smoke and licorice add shades of nuance throughout. What a pretty wine this is.”
An irresistible blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, 9% Petit Verdot. Aged in 40% new oak, this is a generous but serious wine from the musically inspired Arietta winery (Andy Erikson makes the wine). An upfront, giving nose of smoke, black fruits, oak, freshly ground coffee, pepper, tarragon, and dark chocolate leads on to a palate with chewy tannins and juicy acidity. A big but very balanced Napa blend.
Once again, Quartet is a sumptuous blend of four varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. Copious quantities of exotic spices and intense fruit launch from the glass initially. Dense, ripe, and full-bodied, with plush tannins, this magnificent effort displays a core of cassis, blackberry, mocha and caramel complemented by creamy vanilla oak on the prodigious finish. Enjoy tonight after decanting for a distinguished experience we expect to mature gracefully through 2025.
Will pair great with our Steak Frites, Wednesday's Balsamic Brown Sugar Glazed Pork Chop and Fridays Beef Bourguignon
