2015 Relic ‘Artefact’ Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

JD96 Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon (from numerous clones), the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Artefact comes all from the Kenefick Ranch just across from Eisele Vineyard. Aged 21 months in 100% new French oak and sporting a deep purple color and terrific notes of blackcurrants, smoked earth, mulberries and graphite, this beauty hits the palate with lots fruit, a balanced, seamless, elegant texture, and building tannin. Straight up classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, drink it over the coming 15-20 years.
WA94+ Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Artefact is scented of crème de cassis, warm blueberries, licorice and potpourri, with a dusty earth and Chinese five spice undercurrent, plus a waft of cedar chest. The medium to full-bodied palate sings of perfume and spices, with a savory stewed tea character and chewiness, finishing with a lively herbal lift.
WS94 This rumbles with thunder, sporting licorice snap, Black Forest cake, steeped fig, mulled black currant and açai berry fruit flavors all woven together, backed by a dense, loam-tinted finish. Echoes of bay leaf and tobacco flit through. A large-scale wine in need of cellaring. Best from 2023 through 2037.
Winemaker Notes: Dense, dark red in color with purple and black highlights. Aromas of blackcurrant, dark cherry, strawberry, sage, dark chocolate, vanilla syrup and white pepper lead to a dense, structured mouthfeel with incredibly intense flavors. This wine is built to last and is a fine tribute to two beautiful vineyards.