The Artist Series showcases the winemaker’s art of blending lots from different sources, with this vintage using fruit from Kenwood’s estate vineyards in Sonoma County along with select lots from Dry Creek Valley and Knights Valley. The result is a rich, balanced wine that shows classic Sonoma character — blackberry, cassis, dried herbs and bits of white pepper, anise and spearmint are present in both the aroma and flavor profiles, with bright food friendly acidity and supple tannins that extend the rich finish. This will be tough to keep your hands off of, so get enough to try over several years. And thanks to Kenwood for keeping the lid on the pricing — this Artist will hold its own against California Cabernet at three times the price.
Kenwood Vineyards, Sonoma County (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
By Rich Cook