2015 Relic Artefact Cabernet Sauvignon
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Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon (from numerous clones), the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Artefact comes all from the Kenefick Ranch just across from Eisele Vineyard. Aged 21 months in 100% new French oak and sporting a deep purple color and terrific notes of blackcurrants, smoked earth, mulberries and graphite, this beauty hits the palate with lots fruit, a balanced, seamless, elegant texture, and building tannin. Straight up classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, drink it over the coming 15-20 years. Created in 2001 (where they were focused on Pinot Noir), Relic is owned by Mike Hirby and wife Schatzi Throckmorton. They’ve just completed work on a new winery and the 2015 vintage is the first vintage made all at the new facility.
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Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate
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Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Artefact is scented of crème de cassis, warm blueberries, licorice and potpourri, with a dusty earth and Chinese five spice undercurrent, plus a waft of cedar chest. The medium to full-bodied palate sings of perfume and spices, with a savory stewed tea character and chewiness, finishing with a lively herbal lift.