93 Antonio Galloni - Vinous

Arietta's 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon is powerful and burly, but also well-balanced. The tannins are a bit imposing, but the wine's energy, drive and overall intensity make up for that. Black cherry, plum, licorice, game, smoke and tobacco add considerable nuance. The 2008 is decidedly virile and potent in style, much of that a result of the long growing season.

91 Robert Parker - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon (80% Cabernet Sauvignon from a vineyards in Coombsville, 18% Cabernet Franc from the Hudson Vineyard, and the rest Petit Verdot from David Abreu’s Howell Mountain Vineyard) is a deep ruby/purple-colored wine with notes of minerality, boysenberry, mulberry, crushed rock, and foresty loamy soil notes. The wine is medium to full-bodied, tannic, and in need of 2-3 years of cellaring. Aged in 100% new French oak, the oak is still evident, but the fruit and concentration are more than sufficient to balance it out with another 3-4 years of bottle age. It should keep for 15-20 years.