2012 Arietta Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon is fabulous. Gorgeous, expressive aromatics meld into dark red stone fruits in a Cabernet of pure breed and class. These cool sites in Coombsville yield a Cabernet built on savory aromatics, perfume and depth. There is so much going on in the glass that words prove superficial in trying to describe just how beautiful the 2012 is. Majestic. That might do it.

Their most conventional cuvée, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon comes from a two-acre block of vines in Coombsville. It exhibits a dense ruby/purple hue as well as juicy blackcurrant and blueberry fruit, a subtle hint of new oak in the background, and touches of earth and spice. This medium to full-bodied, elegant, structured, Bordeaux-like Cabernet Sauvignon is rich, full, ripe and impressive, although still very young. Forget it for 2-3 years and drink it over the following 15-20 years.

Good bright ruby. Lovely floral lift to the aromas of cassis, licorice and graphite minerality. Densely packed on the palate, showing an extremely fine-grained texture to the sexy flavors of cassis, blueberry, licorice and truffle; the perfumed character follows through in the mouth. Combines stuffing and lift, like the best examples from the 2012 vintage. Noble tannins dust the entire palate. Terrific potential.