Our 12th vintage of Artefact swings for the fences and with plenty of energy in reserve, promises to go the distance. The deep, rocky soils at Kenefick Ranch in Block 7, continue creating wines of minerality and punch, while the long growing season allowed the vines to produce wines of deep fruit, making one of the most powerful, yet elegant Artefacts to date. Many of you have been waiting for this one, and we think you will not be disappointed. A nose of roasted chestnut, morello cherry pie, wild strawberry, crème de cassis, clove-studded ham and licorice fill the glass, giving a sense of the huge structure and power on tap. In the mouth, the wine displays intense fruit and structure, with polished tannins surrounding the fat, layered, lush mouthfeel. The finish soars and promises a huge future in the cellar.
More classic blue fruits, damp earth, bay leaf, and herbal notes emerge from the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Artefact, which comes all from a single block in the Kenefick Ranch vineyard and spent 22 months in new barrels. With medium to full body, terrific purity, and a layered, elegant style, it has plenty of upfront charm and approachability yet the balance to keep for 20+ years.
One-hundred percent Cabernet Sauvignon aged for 21 months in 100% new French oak, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Artefact is very deep purple-black in color and sings of crème de cassis, baked black berries and mulberries with wafts of preserved plums, roasted coffee beans, licorice, tar and tilled soil. Full-bodied, rich and packed with black fruit and savory layers, it has a firm, grainy frame with a lovely backbone and a very long finish. 375 cases produced.
A polished, ripe, forward style, with creamed plum and cassis notes, layered with mocha, melted black licorice and apple wood elements. Picks up pretty floral lift through the lengthy finish. Drink now through 2028.
