The Kenwood Vineyards Artist Series celebrates its 36th anniversary this month with the release of the 2010 vintage Cabernet Sauvignon – featuring a limited edition label created by internationally-renowned artist Keith Wicks.
Entitled ‘Sonoma Serenity’, the exclusive new label artwork harnesses the purity and energy of light, even as it dances in shadow. Working primarily in oils, Sonoma-based Wicks aims to capture the essence of a moment with a clarity and intensity rarely seen in impressionistic works.
Pat Henderson, Senior Winemaker – Kenwood Vineyards, said: “For more than three decades, the Kenwood Vineyards Artist Series has remained the ultimate expression of artistry and fine winemaking.
“With a new label every year and a wine that blends the best of the best Cabernet Sauvignon grapes the Sonoma County has to offer, the release of every new vintage is eagerly anticipated by wine and art lovers alike – with the wine in the bottle as unique and spectacular as the label it bears.
“Cabernet Sauvignon grapes for the 2010 Kenwood Vineyards Artist Series were picked from our finest vineyards located in Sonoma County’s premier Cabernet appellations. The majority of the blend was produced from our Sonoma Valley Estate, with additional Cabernet coming from the Northern Alexander Valley; to this a small amount of Merlot was added from the Dry Creek Valley. The result is an excellent, full-bodied wine with complex flavors and an elegant finish.”
The 2010 vintage began with a cool, dry spring that gave way to an early summer and a warm spell in June. The remainder of summer and fall were temperate, slowly ripening the grapes until October’s harvest when they were picked at the peak of flavor to be carefully crushed, fermented, and aged for two years in French oak barrels.
Deep in color, the 2010 vintage presents fragrant fruit aromas of rich cassis and black cherry together with spicy notes of cinnamon and star anise. These intense flavors are matched by a dense palate, which stays smooth through to its long, lingering finish. While already approachable, this wine promises additional evolution with cellaring.
Just under 1,500 750ml-bottle cases of the 2010 Kenwood Vineyards Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon have been produced and are available at select retailers across the U.S. with a suggested retail price of $75. Purchases can also be made online at www.kenwoodvineyards.com or through the Kenwood Vineyards wine shop.
