2018 Relic The Artefact Cabernet Sauvignon 750ml

Artefact was born out of the intention to create a Napa Cabernet with depth and a unique voice. To this end, Relic has sought out Cabernet Sauvignon sources that are not typical, as the pioneering farmers of Napa once did, looking for unique terroirs and microclimates. The vineyard sources for this wine have varied since its inception in 2005, but this 100% Cabernet found its home in 2011 at Kenefick Ranch Vineyard in Calistoga on Pickett Road, where the volcanic soils are deep and extremely rocky. These rocky well-draining soils have done what they are famous for and elevate this single block with added dimension and minerality. 
 
  We got to taste this wine a few weeks ago and as soon as the cork was released from the bottle we knew there is something special going into our glasses. With intense aromas of red currant, dark cherry, black plum, river stones, spicebox and bourbon vanilla you know you are getting extremely well made juice right up front. Following through to the mid-palate, an inherent richness melding with dark fruit gives it vivaciousness and spark. A dynamically driven long finish is strenghtened by ultra-smooth and refined tannins.
  
   Rated 96 points by Jeb Dunnick: "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."