RED BLENDS
96 Arietta 2019 H Block Hudson Vineyards Cabernet Franc-Merlot (Napa Valley). Cofermenting 70% Cabernet Franc and 30% Merlot from the great site, this wine is chalky, complex and ageworthy. Reductive, it offers dense layers of smoked meat, oak and earthy girth, while being savory throughout, with an impressive tannin structure. Herb and spice linger on the lengthy finish. Enjoy best from 2029–2039. Cellar Selection. —V.B.
abv: 14.9% Price: $150
95 Ridge 2019 Lytton Springs (Dry Creek Valley). This densely packed and deeply concentrated blend of Zinfandel with 16% Petite Sirah, 9% Carignan and 2% Mataro is practically legendary. It boasts subtle, complex fruit flavors ranging from raspberry to blackberry to blueberry, while a velvety texture of fine-grained tannins and a subtle raspberry-like tartness give it great structure. Best from 2025 to 2035. Cellar Selection. —J.G.
abv: 14.6% Price: $45
This deep and brooding wine blended from Zinfandel, Carignan and a pinch of Petite Sirah shows haunting aromas of roasted chestnuts and black olives, while rich blackberry and black-pepper notes dominate the flavors. A thick blanket. —J.G.
