Arietta Quartet Napa Valley 2016

95 points and '2019 Enthusiast 100 (#48),' Wine Enthusiast: "[$68 list] Winemaker Andy Erickson coaxes beautiful fruit and structure from this blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, many of the grapes from Coombsville and Carneros. Juicy and weighty on the palate in blackberry and blueberry, it offers firm integrated tannin and undeniable elegance, with lovely teases of dried herb, graphite and exotic spice. Alcohol 14.9%. Editors' Choice. (Dec 2019)"

94 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate): "The 2016 Quartet is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Deep purple-black in color, it features youthful, vivacious black and red currants notions with an undercurrent of black plums, mulberries, Indian spices and fragrant earth plus wafts of tobacco and new leather. Full-bodied and laden with decadent black fruit and spicy layers, it has a velvety backbone and long spicy finish. Drink: 2019-2035. (Oct 2018)"

93 points Jeb Dunnuck: "A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, and the balance Petit Verdot, aged 22 months in French oak, the 2016 Red Blend Quartet reveals a deep purple color, beautiful notes of cassis, tobacco, iron, and sweet spice, a full-bodied, voluptuous, layered, sexy texture, and a big finish. As Napa Cabernet goes, this beauty is a value. Drink this hedonistic, pleasure-bent beauty any time over the coming 7-8 years. Drink: 2019-2027. (1/31/19)"

92 points Wine Spectator: "Lively, with an intense beam of blackberry and cherry preserve flavors rippling through, laced with bramble, anise and apple wood notes. The juicy, fun finish lets the fruit pump through. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2027. 1,461 cases made. (6/30/19)"

92 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2016 Quartet is a gorgeous second wine from Arietta that compares very favorably to the top wines at more than a few Napa Valley estates. Pliant, racy and inviting, the 2016 shows tons of allure in its dark, spiced fruit and soft curves. Drink it over the next handful of years. Drink: 2018-2026. (Dec 2018)"

92 points James Suckling: "Strong blue-fruit aromas with cassis and blueberries taking center stage, ahead of gently tarry, coal-smoke aromas. The palate has gently chewy tannins and an array of ripe-plum and raisin flavors. A blend of 58 per cent cabernet sauvignon, 30 per cent merlot, 11 per cent cabernet franc and one per cent petit verdot. Drink or hold. (11/19/18)"