WINEMAKERS NOTES:
The energy from 2019 seems to have concentrated and focused the Arietta Hudson Vineyards Merlot, and added a weight and depth that is found only in outstanding vintages. The wine seems supercharged, with a pointedly robust midpalate, intense black fruit aromas, and a strength and length that is downright exciting. This eminently enjoyable wine is deep and layered, but also buoyant and uplifting.
TASTING NOTES:
Always a standout from this winning combination of site and producer, this is a 100% varietal vineyard-designate, from the cool landscape of Carneros. Rainier cherry, cassis and a dusting of baking spice highlight a seamless body of integrated tannin and oak, the wine offering power but also enduring elegance. While enjoyable now, it will benefit from further aging; enjoy best 2029–2039.
-Wine Enthusiast, 97 pts.
Aromas of ripe plums, chocolate, walnuts, tobacco leaf and hazelnuts. Some orange zest, too. It’s full-bodied with plush tannins and a fleshy texture. Deliciously creamy. 100% merlot. Drink now or hold.
-James Suckling, 93 pts.
Lots of up-front black cherry, currants, leafy herbs, and violet/flower notes, as well as a hints of marine-like salinity and iron, emerge from the 2019 Merlot Hudson Vineyards, another medium to full-bodied, pure, beautifully balanced wine. It too should keep for over a decade.
-Jeb Dunnuck, 93 pts.
Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2019 Merlot Hudson Vineyards prances out of the glass with notions of stewed black plums, blueberries and boysenberries, plus hints of star anise, bay leaves and tilled loam. Full-bodied, soft and juicy, the palate has bags of bright black fruits with a lively line and lifted finish.
-Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 92 pts.
