2019 Arietta Red Wine 'Quartet,' Napa Valley, California (750ml)   

Arietta Quartet is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot from carefully chosen vineyard blocks in the Napa Valley. Aged for 20 months in French oak barrels, Arietta Quartet is approachable upon release, but rich enough to age well for ten years or more. The blend varies from year to year depending on vintage conditions and the characteristics of each component. The wines are made by Andy Erickson, one of California's most celebrated winemakers.

The label features a drawing of the instruments of the string quartet by eight year old Libby Hatton, a future proprietor of Arietta, over a manuscript fragment of the famous Cavatina movement from Beethoven's String Quartet Opus 130. The 2019 Red Blend Quartet is a delicious, easygoing red from Arietta. Expressive floral and savory notes add character and meld into a core of ripe red plum fruit. Cedar, sweet pipe tobacco, mint, crushed flowers and sweet spice all come together in a pliant, aromatic wine that is impeccable in its balance. This is a very pretty and expressive entry-level wine from Arietta that overdelivers. Blend: 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot Fruit Sources: 42% Coombsville, 30% Carneros, 18% Calistoga Elevage: 20 months in French oak barrels.