2009 Arietta Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

“Blended of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc and 2% Merlot, the deep garnet colored 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon opens with notions of stewed tea, tilled soil and tobacco leaf over a core of baked black cherries, mulberries and warm cassis plus a waft of cedar chest. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with juicy black fruit preserves and earthy sparks, framed by chewy tannins and compelling freshness, finishing on a stewed tea note. (LPB)” (01/2020)

“Full medium ruby. Blackberry, blueberry, bitter chocolate and violet; a bit lower-pitched than the H Block bottling but still with lovely floral, peppery lift. Densely packed, juicy and quite primary, offering classic flavors of crystallized dark berries and violet complicated by subtle soil tones and tobacco. Not yet particularly generous, this wine still needs more cellaring. Finishes quite penetrating, with fine-grained tannins and impressive slowly building length. (ST) 92+” (07/2019)

“Marked by dry, loamy earth and espresso notes, this well-built red unfolds to dark berry and cedar flavors, with firm, fine-grained tannins. Ends with a distinctive game meat and herbal edge. (JL)” (10/2012)