144 bottles. That's all that remains of the exquisite 2008 Arietta Variation One. Variation One, which co-ferments Syrah and Merlot in nearly equal proportions, cascades from the glass with savory aromas of leather, tobacco, cedar, dried violets, and balsam, all built around a core of baked and fresh plums, blackberry, smoke, and a hint of cracked pepper. The softened, velvety tannins are supremely enjoyable on the palate. Arietta is awash in some of the top talent and grapes in California. Their winemaker is the renowned multi-100-point Andy Erickson (of Screaming Eagle, Dalla Valle, and Harlan Estate). The grapes for Variation One come from the lauded Hudson Vineyard in Carneros, where red grapes thrive under foggy skies. The source, pedigree, and care in this bottle - not to mention the perfect cellar regime - all add up to a red that belongs alongside cult Cabernets and Bordeaux Grands Crus. Erickson's blending mastery is on full display in this wine, whose savory and floral tones harmonize with symphonic grace and elegance. After fermentation, Variation One was aged in new French oak for 22 months, which added the structure and spice notes that make it sing today. The Syrah brings a wilder sense to the classic Merlot, giving the wine great complexity and ageability. The result is one of the most special and cellar-worthy wines made in Napa Valley.