2014 Arietta Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, which comes from Coombsville, is a blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. A classic, cool-climate Cabernet Sauvignon with plenty of minerality, spice box, underbrush, forest floor and earth with red and blackcurrants in the background. The wine is medium to full-bodied and tightly knit compared to the other Ariettas and therefore should be cellared for several more years and drunk over the following 15-20. As much coaxing as I gave this wine, it remained somewhat reticent, but promising.

The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon is a polished, elegant wine. Medium in body, the 2014 graces the palate with bright red stone fruit and floral nuances. The new oak still needs time to integrate, so I would give the 2014 at least another year or two in bottle. It will be interesting to see if the 2014 acquires more weight in bottle. Today, it is a bit light.

The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the showier wines in this range. Dark, bold and incisive, the 2014 races across the palate with notable succulence and depth. Surprisingly open-knit for the year, the Cabernet Sauvignon looks like it will drink well earlier than some of the other 2014s here. A dollop of Cabernet Franc round out the blend.