Arietta

This was the first Napa visit since the big fire last year.
As we drove up Silverado trail, I saw some damaged winery and vegetation.
It was somehow unrealistic and depressing scene, but as we drove to the north, most of vineyards seemed intact. I heard on the news that irrigation system in vineyards could help to stop fire, and it seemed really worked.

Arietta is a winery founded in Napa in 1996.
Many of grapes for their Bordeaux-style blends come from cooler part of Napa such as Carneros AVA, which create more delicate style wine than big and jammy.
It seems like they are not the only ones and other producers are using grapes from cooler area. Is this trend or because of grobal warming?

Mr. Fritz Hatton, the owner of Arietta, is very amiable, generous, and a great singer!
We visited him at  Chateau Boswell on Silverado Trail.

He gave us a tour of the cave where wines were stored and explained the production, maturation and marketing methods with a touch of humour and music.

Tasting was inside the cave. Very romantic setting!

Arietta On the White Keys 2016
Sauvignon Blanc 84%, Semillon 16%
Vibrant wine. Honeysuckle, apple, fresh cedar.
Partial MLF to aim at just between sharp malic and softer lactic acid.

Arietta Quartet 2015
Cab Sauvignon 51%, Merlot 29%, Cab Franc 11%, Petit Verdot 9%
Red and black berry, sweet pink flower and powdery tannin.
Approachable.

Arietta Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Cab Sauvignon 91%, Cab Franc 6%, Petit Verdot 3%
Ripe and preserved red fruit, herb and cacao.
Complexity with focus. Great wine.

Arietta Merlot Hudson Vineyards 2014
Merlot 100%
Ripe red and blue fruit, fresh herb. Firm tannin.

Arietta Red Wine H Block Hudson Valley 2014
Cab Franc 68%, Merlot 32%
Ripe and preserved red fruit, flower, herb and chocolate.
Soft mouth-feel.

Arietta Red Wine Variation One Hudson Valley 2012
Syrah 70%, Merlot 30%
Meaty, juicy wine with exotic notes.

I had an impression that Bordeaux style Napa Cab would be always big and jammy, but these wines were delicate and elegant.
I really enjoyed the beautiful wines with the great host.