2004 Arietta Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
The 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon is deep, unctuous and quite powerful. Black cherry, smoke, new French oak and licorice are some of the signatures. Although it is not especially finessed, the 2004 has enough depth to go the distance for at least a few more years. Stylistically, this Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the more imposing, brooding wines in the lineup. The 100% new oak marks the 2004 to a considerable degree, and yet the wine has aged impeccably.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(100% cabernet sauvignon; from Thorvilos fruit) Good medium ruby. Black fruits, licorice and menthol on the nose. Sweet on entry, then a bit youthfully brutal in the middle, and much less silky and pliant than the young 2005. Today the wine's huge, toothdusting tannins and edgy acids give the finish a somewhat jagged edge. Less impressive today than it appeared to be from bottle a year ago.
The 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon has notes of smoke, licorice, black currant, and sweet plums and spice with a hint of minerality. It has sweet oak and the blend (76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Cabernet Franc, and 8% Petit Verdot), reveals sweet fruit and mineral notes, tangy acidity, but again just falls short in the finish. It is an impressive wine, but not as good as other releases from Arietta. Fax (707) 963-4512
(Thorvilos cabernet sauvignon with 15% cabernet franc and 5% merlot from Hudson Vineyard) Full ruby-red. High-toned but quite closed on the nose. Then chewy, dense and sweet in the mouth, with highly concentrated, sappy black raspberry flavor and compelling vibrancy. Offers a rare combination of silky texture, outstanding breadth and bright acidity. As ripe as this is, there's no hint of raisins. The high-toned character carries through on the long, ripe aftertaste.