Winemaker Notes
Like the vintage itself, the 2014 Arietta Cabernet Sauvignon is defined by freshness, varietal definition, and a bright, focused demeanor. The core Cabernet Sauvignon component expresses itself beautifully here, with a burnished texture, black fruit flavors and aromas, and hints of crushed stones and freshly dug soil. The addition of 6% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot adds layers of complexity and enjoyment to the wine, with notes of pencil shavings, cardamom, and dried flowers. This young wine benefits from a pre-service decanting, and will continue to open and expand over the next 10-15 years.
Critical Acclaim
All VintagesWalnut and currant aromas follow through to a medium to full body, velvety tannins and a savory finish. Lots of lovely fruit and balance here. Drink or hold.
Fritz Hatton is the nation's foremost wine auctioneer. He worked for Christie's for most of the last two decades and was in charge of Christie's U.S. wine auctions from 1995 to 1998. In the spring of 2002, Hatton joined the prominent retailer, Zachy's, as auctioneer and consultant to Zachy's Auctions, Inc. He serves as principal auctioneer for the Napa Valley Wine Auction and conducts numerous other charity wine auctions across the U.S. Hatton is responsible for the sales and distribution of the Arietta and Kongsgaard wines and shares the marketing duties with Kongsgaard.
The partners came together through their love of music. Fritz is a serious amateur pianist and singer, and the Kongsgaards present a ten concert classical music series in Napa. Their friendship in music is reflected in the Arietta wine label: Beethoven's manuscript of the sublime Arietta movement of his last piano sonata, Opus 111.
Situated in the southeastern corner of Napa Valley in the Vaca range, the vineyards of the Coombsville AVA enjoy a long growing season mitigated by cool, San Pablo Bay fog.
A noble variety bestowed with both power and concentration, Cabernet Sauvignon enjoys success all over the globe, its best examples showing potential to age beautifully for decades. Cabernet Sauvignon flourishes in Bordeaux's Medoc where it is often blended with Merlot and smaller amounts of some combination of Cabernet Franc, Malbecand Petit Verdot. In the Napa Valley, ‘Cab’ is responsible for some of the world’s most prestigious, age-worthy and sought-after “cult” wines. Somm Secret—DNA profiling in 1997 revealed that Cabernet Sauvignon was born from a spontaneous crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in 17th century southwest France.