2009 Relic Artefact
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
There are fewer than 250 cases of the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Artefact which comes from the western hills above Oakville. It exhibits lots of tannic structure along with sweet charcoal, loamy earth, black currant and baking spice-like notes. Layered and rich with low acidity as well as noticeable tannins, this 2009 is closed, but promising. I may have underrated it given its somewhat reserved performance. This is a project of Mike Hirby and Schatzi Throckmorton, whom I first met when they were working in the cellars of Behrens and Hitchcock. They also produce some Pinot Noir from the Sonoma Coast which I will review in the October issue. Tel. (707) 967-9380
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(15.3% alcohol; an 81/19 blend of cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc; 10% new oak): Highly aromatic nose offers crushed blueberry, cranberry, spices and wild sage. Then quite clenched in the mouth, with chocolatey oak currently dominating. In a distinctly tough, tannic style but the finish shows very good lift and grip. Forget this one for a while.
(includes a bit of cabernet franc): Medium ruby-red. Cassis, licorice and mint on the nose, along with strong graphite minerality. Sweeter and denser than the 2008 version, and more generous today; this really spreads out nicely to saturate the palate. The tannins, too, are much more easygoing. A lovely savory wine in the making, with a pretty floral element on the aftertaste.