2008 Relic Artefact
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Tasting notes
(15% alcohol): Bright medium ruby. Blackberry, blueberry, licorice and menthol on the rather cool nose, lifted by a violet topnote. Moderately dense and juicy but a bit clenched and evolving very slowly. Intense black cherry, cassis, menthol and herb flavors show a medicinal cast. A bit unyielding, with tongue-dusting (oak-driven?) tannins giving the finish a dry edge. I'd still wait a couple years before pulling the cork, but it remains to be seen if this wine has the sweetness and mid-palate flesh to support its structure? One is aware of the small Syrah component on the nose but the palate is very Cabernet.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(blended with 8% syrah from Farella Vineyard in Coombsville): Red-ruby. Blackberry, blueberry and licorice on the nose. Sweet, dense and firmly built, with some oak-driven tannins currently giving a hard edge to the intense flavors of dark berries, spices, bitter chocolate and mint. Today the tannins are quite aggressive. An awkward showing. Incidentally, winemaker Hirby told me that he uses the syrah from cool Coombsville to add depth and lift. This will need another look in a few years.
The 2008 Artifact Proprietary Red (92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Syrah aged in 100% new French oak) reveals deep black currant notes intermixed with jus de viande, assorted herbs, pepper, crushed rock and licorice aromas. Deep, full-bodied, layered, impressively built as well as supple textured, this delicious, concentrated, full-bodied powerhouse reveals impressive texture and a long finish. It should drink well for 10-15+ years. Tel. (707) 967-9380; Fax (707) 967-0724