2003 Arietta Cabernet Sauvignon

Kongsgaard and Hatton are now experimenting with Cabernet Sauvignon, primarily from the David Abreu and Ric Foreman-owned vineyard of Thorevilos. The medium to full-bodied, monolithic 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits impressive weight, richness, and character. It offers aromas and flavors of spicy earth, toast, black currants, and coffee. Give it 2-3 more years of bottle age, and drink it over the following 15+. This partnership between winemaker John Kongsgaard and auctioneer Fritz Hatton has produced distinctive, singular wines, with the H Block a California version of Bordeaux’s famed Cheval Blanc, and the Variation One a “who knows what the heck” blend of Merlot and Syrah. Think of it as a hybrid version of a Bordeaux Graves mixed with a Rhone Valley Hermitage. All of the current portfolio offerings are top-notch, although the 2004s are not up to the quality level of the last three vintages. Fax (707) 963-4512

(includes 15% merlot and 5% cabernet franc) Good bright ruby. Knockout nose combines black cherry, blackberry, licorice and bitter chocolate. Wonderfully sweet and concentrated, with snappy fruit flavors and perfectly integrated acidity. Can't quite match the complexity of the H Block blend, but this boasts terrific fruit and underlying sweetness. Finishes with broad, dusty tannins. Mostly from the Thorvilos Vineyard, on the lower reaches of Howell Mountain. Will make a worthy new entry to the Arietta line-up.