The 2018 Arietta Proprietary Red H Block Hudson Vineyard is a noteworthy red blend hailing from the North Coast region of Napa, California. Composed of 56% Cabernet Franc and 44% Merlot, this wine is produced by Arietta and sealed with a traditional cork closure. The alcohol content stands at 14.9%.

Jeb Dunnuck, writing for jebdunnuck.com, awarded this wine a score of 94 points, suggesting it needs a few years of bottle age to fully reveal its potential. He describes the bouquet as "relatively reserved yet potential-laced," featuring notes of red and black fruits, chocolate, toasted spices, and dried tobacco. Dunnuck notes that the wine is full-bodied and concentrated with plenty of tannins and a balanced overall structure. He recommends hiding bottles for 2-4 years, predicting it will evolve for another 15 years thereafter.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also gave it high marks, scoring it 95 points. The review highlights its deep garnet-purple color and a nose that "leaps from the glass with gregarious scents of kirsch, black raspberries, wild blueberries, and red roses." The palate is described as medium to full-bodied with intense black and red fruit layers, framed by firm, ripe tannins and a fresh, long, and perfumed finish.

Vinous' Antonio Galloni echoed this sentiment, also rating it at 95 points. Galloni emphasizes the wine's "striking aromatic complexity" and "mid-weight personality," noting flavors such as dried cherry, herbs, iron, tobacco, and smoke. He praises its bright acids and clean, mineral notes that frame this "wonderfully expressive red wine."

Wine Enthusiast's Virginie Boone also awarded the wine 95 points, calling it a "spectacular showcase" of its varietal components. She mentions its spiciness in nutmeg and clove, layered with red and black currant, and finishing with accents of cedar, violet, and crushed rock. Boone advises that the wine will be best enjoyed from 2028 to 2038.

In summary, the 2018 Arietta Proprietary Red H Block Hudson Vineyard is a critically acclaimed red blend with a complex aromatic profile and well-balanced structure. It is expected to age gracefully, making it a valuable addition to any wine cellar.