Here’s one of Napa’s TOP Right Bank styled gems!

Winemaker Andy Erickson is a genuine Hall of Famer. You may know him from his Screaming Eagle years. But he also powered Harlan Estate and Staglin Family, while still consulting for Dalla Valle and Mayacamas, along with making his own label Favia. Now ain’t that an impressive resume!

Oh, and Hudson Vineyards? It’s a legendary site. In a comprehensive study of the H Block Vinous writes of “a wine that has established a track record for evolving with charm and style… At a vertical tasting held in New York City in early May, fully half of the vintages we tasted (and we went back to the first one) were utterly splendid, and there wasn’t a weak wine in the bunch… happy owners of this wine know that it gives great pleasure virtually from day one and gains in richness, complexity, and suavity with 8 to 10 years of bottle aging.”

No wonder for a past vintage Robert Parker went on record saying it “tastes like an over-sized, phenomenal Cheval Blanc” and we think that’s especially true with the 2016 vintage, the highest-rated example of this single-vineyard blend ever. In sum, a complied tasting note from formidable critics rave about “a beauty” with “incredible seamlessness” as “a potent, virile wine” with “an impressive showing to say the least” that’s “tremendously memorable.”

Get it while we have it.

97 Points – Jeb Dunnuck

“The Cabernet Franc-dominated 2016 Red Wine H Block Hudson Vineyards is also deeply colored and gives up a thrilling bouquet of cassis, blueberries, forest floor, crushed violets, and graphite. With full body, bright yet integrated acidity, thrilling purity of fruit, and a great finish, it’s one seriously good Cabernet Franc to drink over the coming 15+ years. This cuvée is 70% Cabernet Franc and 30% Merlot aged in 68% new French oak. Drink 2020-2040.”

96+ Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

“Composed of 70% Cabernet Franc and 30% Merlot, the 2016 Proprietary Red H Block is deep purple-black in color and a little youthfully shy to begin, unfurling to reveal stunning blackberries, black raspberries, kirsch and cassis scents with touches of cigar box and underbrush. The full-bodied palate is relatively restrained with loads of savory layers superbly framed by ripe, fine-grained tannins, finishing long and mineral tinged. Drink 2020-2043.”

95+ Points – Antonio Galloni’s Vinous

“The 2016 H Block Hudson Vineyards, Arietta’s Cabernet Franc/Merlot blend, has really shut down post bottling. That is probably a very good thing for its long-term prospects. Beams of tannin give the wine energy and thrust. Time in the glass brings out attractive floral and spice notes, but above all else, the H Block is a potent, virile wine that needs time in bottle to be at its very best. This is an impressive showing to say the least. Drink 2022-2036.”

95 Points, Cellar Selection – Wine Enthusiast

“This is a tremendously memorable and well-made co-fermentation of 70% Cabernet Franc and 30% Merlot from one specific block of the mighty Hudson Vineyard in Carneros. Reduced slightly, it brims in graphite, earth and dried herb, with classically stylized secondary layers of cassis, lavender, anise and oak. The texture is sublime. Lovely now, this will do well over time; enjoy best from 2026-2036.”