Our 14th vintage of Artefact has turned out superbly well, as the vines at Kenefick Ranch in Block 7 clearly enjoyed the long, cool season of 2018. This is the kind of vintage where rocky, well-drained soils do what they are famous for and lift the wine with added dimension and minerality. Look for aromas of red currant, dark cherry, black plum, river stones, spicebox and bourbon vanilla. There is immense power and length on the palate while maintaining great energy and dynamic, vivid flavors of dark fruits. The tannins are ultra-smooth and refined which give an air of supreme elegance to the long, extended finish.
A bigger, richer wine, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Artefact Kenefick Block 7 offers layers of black and blue fruits supported by notes of chocolate, violets, and scorched earth. Coming from a single block in the Kenefick Ranch Vineyard outside of Calistoga, this full-bodied, concentrated 2018 has building tannins and a great finish, all pointing to a brilliant Napa Cabernet that’s going to benefit from short-term cellaring and keep for 20+ years.
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Artefact is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon coming from Calistoga. Deep garnet-purple in color, it bursts from the glass with pronounced notes of crème de cassis, plum preserves, wild blueberries and boysenberries with underlying suggestions of cedar chest, menthol, fallen leaves and dusty soil. The palate possesses bags of energy, offering a medium to full-body with layers of bright, bold black fruits and a firm, grainy texture, finishing long and mineral laced.
A well-structured cabernet with aromas of blackberries, dried leaves, walnuts, toast and pine cones. Full-bodied yet fresh with fine-grained tannins. Savory, firm and mineral finish. Try after 2022.
