2016 Arietta Quartet Napa

The origins of the Arietta Quartet were wines under the label "Arietta Claret" made in 2004 and 2005 from Bordeaux varietals grown at the top of Howell Mountain by noted viticulturist David Abreu. In 2006 we changed the name of the wine to Arietta Quartet, allying the four Bordeaux varietals in the wine (everything except Malbec) to the musical subtext of the brand. Since 2007 we have created Arietta Quartet from first class blocks of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot sourced from several of the finest growers in Napa. Most lots are kept separate for the first fifteen months after harvest, at which time blending commences in earnest, and the wine is continually "tweaked" until bottling. In 2009 a superb close-spaced three acre vineyard in Coombsville, planted to the four Quartet varietals by David Abreu in 2003, became the new core of the Arietta Quartet. Since 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon has been the dominant variety in the Quartet, along with generous amounts of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, and a hint of Petit Verdot. The percentage of new oak employed (50-70%) is lower than the other Arietta red wines, making the Arietta Quartet the most approachable upon release.