The 2000 Variation One comes from the Hudson Ranch, and is aged in 100% new oak (none of these wines could be called “oaky”). Its dense purple color is accompanied by sweet aromas of new saddle leather and roasted meats. Although monolithic, it is medium to full-bodied and intense. Given my confidence in Kongsgaard’s winemaking, it will undoubtedly reveal more “music” with 3-4 years of bottle age. A blend of 72% Merlot and 28% Syrah, it should be at its finest between 2007-2016. Winemaker and part owner, John Kongsgaard, produces these wines in partnership with auctioneer, Fritz Hatton. They are all fashioned from fruit grown in the “H Block” of the Hudson Vineyard, the highest point on that large ranch. The vineyard is planted in white volcanic ash-dominated soils. The Cabernet Franc/Merlot blend is the Arietta and the Syrah/Merlot blend is named Variation One. These striking offerings have a European sensitivity for elegance, structure, and delineation, but are clearly products of California, as evidenced by their prodigious ripeness as well as intensity. They are expensive, but impressive efforts that should be long-lived. Fax (707) 963-4512