2008 Arietta Cabernet Sauvignon

Arietta's 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon is powerful and burly, but also well-balanced. The tannins are a bit imposing, but the wine's energy, drive and overall intensity make up for that. Black cherry, plum, licorice, game, smoke and tobacco add considerable nuance. The 2008 is decidedly virile and potent in style, much of that a result of the long growing season.

(includes 15% cabernet franc from Hudson Vineyards): Good deep red-ruby. Lovely lift to the aromas of cassis, violet, licorice and flint. Tight, cool, structured and backward; juicy and youthfully imploded--and quite uncompromising today, even if the tannins are rather suave. I like the fruit salad note provided by the cabernet franc, but this this very closed, almost medicinal wine needs time.

The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon (80% Cabernet Sauvignon from a vineyards in Coombsville, 18% Cabernet Franc from the Hudson Vineyard, and the rest Petit Verdot from David Abreu’s Howell Mountain Vineyard) is a deep ruby/purple-colored wine with notes of minerality, boysenberry, mulberry, crushed rock, and foresty loamy soil notes. The wine is medium to full-bodied, tannic, and in need of 2-3 years of cellaring. Aged in 100% new French oak, the oak is still evident, but the fruit and concentration are more than sufficient to balance it out with another 3-4 years of bottle age. It should keep for 15-20 years. This is an intriguing and provocative operation from wine personality Fritz Hatton, who is also a classical pianist and auctioneer. He has long had a winemaking association with well-known Napa consultant Andy Erickson. Tel. (707) 963-5918; fax (707) 963-5919