and a hint of sweet toasty oak
93 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
black currant and violet pastille complicated by a hint of olive paste
3 bottles in original carton
melted licorice
Arietta, Napa Valley, Variation One, Red 2002 Bordeaux Blanc and a hint of sweet95 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate The stunning 2002 Variation One (70% Merlot and 30% Syrah) exhibits an exotic, opulent personality with a deep purple color, and sweet aromas of cocoa, new saddle leather, black raspberries, cassis, and acacia flowers. Full bodied, with beautifully integrated oak (all of these wines are aged in 100% new French wood), wonderful sweetness, tremendous delineation, and laser like clarity and transparency of