Arietta 88 Keys Cabernet Sauvignon Coombsville 2021

The unicorns of Napa Valley: Screaming Eagle, Harlan, Colgin, and Dalla Valle Maya… these are all names associated with Napa Valley's hardest-to-get, once-in-a-lifetime, cult wines. Those in the know, however, are privy to another, even harder-to-acquire Napa Cab, one that makes an appearance in only extraordinary vintages. Arietta's 88 Keys Cabernet Sauvignon is the ULTIMATE NAPA UNICORN: stunningly beautiful and rarely seen outside of the winery or the very best and most prestigious wine cellars. ACME's claim to fame is that we are the only boutique wine shop granted an allocation. And it is one of the most decadent and spectacular wines we have ever tasted from the Napa Valley. Arietta is an ultra-premium Napa winery that is one of the true hidden gems of the valley. Those privy have been collecting these wines since their inaugural vintage in 1996 when Fritz Hatton first partnered with legendary winemaker, John Kongsgaard. Since hiring renowned vineyard manager David Abreu to plant his vineyards and Andy Erickson (Favia, Dalla Valle, Mayacamas and formerly Screaming Eagle and Harlan), who has been the winemaker at Arietta since 2005, these wines have become the benchmark for ultra-premium, age-worthy wines in the valley.

First produced in the 2010 vintage, Arietta's 88 Keys is only made in exceptional vintages. As Fritz says, 'The "88 Keys' is the concert grand piano that occasionally plays soloist to our orchestra of Cabernet Sauvignon."

Winemaker: Andy Erickson shares "We bottled the 2021 88 Keys after 28 months in 100% new French oak barrels. This élevage (the progression of wine between fermentation and bottling) allows the wine to take on a deep, black-fruited center. Blackberry preserve, graham cracker, and nutmeg are at its core, with notes of thyme, allspice, and incense radiating in all directions. The wine is hedonistic but pure and precise, its bold flavors penetrating the palate and lingering for nearly a minute." 

Production: 889 bottles (fewer than 75 cases)