A 50-50 blend of Merlot and Syrah, both grown at Hudson Ranch, Arietta's 2020 Variation One (Syrah / Merlot) offers up wonderfully pure and intense aromas of blueberries and cherries accented by hints of vanilla. Medium to full-bodied and slightly open-knit, this wine shows rather less structure than the others from Arietta but is attractive, juicy and fresh, with at least a solid 15 years of cellaring potential.

Composed of 70% Syrah and 30% Merlot, the 2019 Variation One (Syrah / Merlot) has a deep garnet-purple color and is a little reduced to begin, opening out to notes of plum preserves and baked blackberries with hints of tar, rubber and black pepper, plus a waft of smoked meats. Full-bodied, concentrated and spicy, it delivers ripe, rounded tannins and a long, pepper-laced finish.

The deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Variation One (Syrah / Merlot) is a blend of 58% Syrah and 42% Merlot. It comes bounding out of the glass with exuberant notes of stewed black and red plums, dried Provence herbs, cracked black pepper and hoisin with suggestions of mocha and bacon rind. Full-bodied, concentrated and densely laden with black fruit preserves and spicy layers, it has a solid backbone of rounded tannins, finishing long and peppery.

A blend of 61% Syrah and 39% Merlot, the 2016 Variation One (Syrah / Merlot) has a deep garnet-purple color and intense black cherries, black plums and blackberries scents with cracked pepper, herbs, garrigue and fertile loam plus a waft charcuterie. The palate is medium to full-bodied, elegant and fragrant with plush tannins and a long, peppery finish.

The 2014 Proprietary Red Variation One is an equal-part blend of Syrah and Merlot. Influence of the mystic and great winemaker/producer John Kongsgaard can be seen in this beauty, which has a dense purple color, a big blast of blue and black fruits, excellent acidity and freshness, with hints of meat, chocolate and spice. This full-bodied, youthful and unevolved, full-throttle red wine is individualistic, singular and should age well for 15 or more years. This is a winner and creative as well. Drink it over the next 20+ years.