Arietta - Merlot Hudson 2021 (750ml)
Price: $102.99
93 points Jeb Dunnuck
| Producer | Arietta |
| Country | United States |
| Region | California |
| Varietal | Merlot |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Sku | 206690 |
| Size | 750ml |
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There's some seriously good Merlot coming from this vineyard in the Carneros region of Napa Valley, and I loved the Arietta 2021 Merlot Hudson Vineyards. Ripe black cherries, chocolaty herbs, and spicy notes flow to a medium to full-bodied, concentrated Merlot with lots of building tannins. It's a touch firm and focused today, so give bottles a few years in the cellar
Arietta Description
The Arietta 2021 Merlot from Hudson Vineyards is a dark, vivid, and complex wine with notes of blackberry, blueberry, violets, and red licorice. It has firm but velvety tannins and a long, expressive finish with hints of espresso, dried herbs, graphite, and clove, supported by bright acids and minerality. The wine is considered serious and of high pedigree, best enjoyed from 2025 onwards, though other sources suggest it is a powerful, plush, and very delicious example of Merlot.
Vinous: 96 Points
The Arietta 2021 Merlot Hudson Vineyards is fabulous. A dollop of Cabernet Franc lifts the Merlot fruit beautifully. This dark, vivid wine has so much to offer. Hints of espresso, dried herbs, graphite and clove lend further complexity. Readers will find a wine of real pedigree
Wine Advocate: 91 Points
The Arietta 2021 Merlot Hudson Vineyards includes a substantial amount of Cabernet Franc (16%). It's that component that no doubt contributes intriguing accents of pipe tobacco to the notes of black cherries and cedar that otherwise abound. The wine is medium to full-bodied, perhaps a bit broad and velvety soft in the mouth but with ample concentration. There's a bit of structure and firm tannins on the finish. A rare Napa Merlot that can be cellared, it may be even better in several years.
