Arietta Cabernet Sauvignon “88 Keys” 2016
The Arietta “88 Keys” is a selection of Cabernet Sauvignon that is only offered in exceptional vintages. The 2016 vintage delivers in spades, as the wines are incredibly dark, aromatic, and layered. We carefully evaluated each barrel of 2016 Arietta Cabernet Sauvignon and chose the three barrels that showed the most depth, purity, and expression. We then reassembled the blend and aged this ultra-cuvee in barrel for an additional eight months. At bottling, the wine has a noteworthy intensity, vivid varietal definition, and a rounded, burnished quality to the tannins.
Just as the name “88 Keys” highlights the broad spectrum of tones available on the piano, the namesake wine displays a wide array of aromas and flavors. On the palate, notes of fresh-cut cherry, red raspberry, and blueberry jump from the glass. The level of energy and focus are remarkable after such an extended elevage. On the palate, the red and blue tones give way to a concentrated core of ripe fruit, earth tones, graphite, and sage. The firm structure is immediately evident, but the corners have been gently rounded by the added time in barrel. The wine is muscular, but more like a highly toned dancer moving quickly across the stage—so many details and subtle nuances hidden just below the surface. As it unwinds with time in the glass, it unfolds and expands, revealing variations on the theme.
While exciting in its youth, the 2016 Arietta Cabernet Sauvignon “88 Keys” is a wine which will develop for ten to fifteen years or more, and reward those who wait.
Blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon Clone 337
Fruit Source: Coombsville
Cooperage: Aged 30 month in 100% New French Oak barrels
Production:: 57 cases