United States · California

Arietta

Arietta is a Napa Valley négociant label founded in 1997 by Fritz Hatton and John Kongsgaard — the latter being the renowned winemaker behind the Kongsgaard label — focusing on small-production blends from premium vineyard sources. The most prized wine is H Block Hudson Vineyard, a Merlot-Cabernet Franc blend from the renowned Hudson Vineyards in Carneros that has consistently earned scores of 94–97 from Wine Advocate. Variation One is a Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant blend sourced from multiple Napa sites, and the varietal Cabernet Sauvignon rounds out the portfolio. Arietta deliberately operates outside the cult Napa model, maintaining lower production and more restrained pricing while working with top-tier fruit sources. Across 464 auction lots, the estate averages $72 per bottle with a ceiling of $400 — modest for wines that regularly achieve mid-to-high 90s scores. H Block Hudson Vineyard, in particular, represents one of Napa's great undervalued auction propositions: a Merlot-dominant blend of genuine complexity that trades at a fraction of comparable Pomerol equivalents.

H Block Hudson Vineyard, a Merlot-Cabernet Franc blend from Hudson Vineyards in Carneros, has earned scores of 94–97 from Wine Advocate across multiple vintages and is considered one of Napa's finest Merlot-based wines.

John Kongsgaard — one of Napa Valley's most celebrated winemakers — co-founded Arietta in 1997 and shaped the house style through the label's formative years.

464 auction lots average just $72 per bottle, making Arietta one of the most underpriced critically acclaimed Napa producers relative to its consistent scoring profile.

Production across all cuvées is typically fewer than 500 cases per wine, with H Block Hudson Vineyard particularly scarce — often only 200–300 cases in normal years.

Auction Lots

464

Avg Price / Bottle

$72

Top Vintage

2001

Price Range

$23 – $400

In the Glass

Arietta blends are refined, Bordeaux-inspired Napa Valley expressions: H Block Hudson Vineyard combines plush Merlot plum and mocha with the structural backbone of Cabernet Franc and floral lift. Variation One leads with Cabernet Sauvignon cassis and cedar. All wines show excellent integration of new oak with clean, precise fruit. The style is more restrained and food-friendly than typical Napa, with a European sensibility that reflects Kongsgaard's approach.

Portfolio

Wine	Colour	Avg Price	Lots Sold	Top Vintage
Variation One	Red	$56	87	2001
H Block Hudson Vineyard	Red	$91	35	2007
Cabernet Sauvignon	Red	$87	32	2005
Red	Red	$70	13	1997
Hudson Vyd Merlot	Red	$63	13	2002
Merlot	Red	$73	11	1999
Quartet	Red	$62	9	2013
On The White Keys	White	$58	7	2011

Arietta is based in the California wine region.

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