KENWOOD ARTIST SERIES 2OO5 CABERNET SAUVIGNON

The 31st vintage in the Kenwood Artist Series showcases the work of artist Paul Klee and winemaker Pat Henderson.  The vineyard lots for this Cabernet were fermented separately in stainless steel tanks.  After two rounds of settling and racking the young wine was moved primarily into small French oak barrels to age for 29 months.  The final Artist Series blend was assembled from the best of these barrels, with small percentages of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec included.  The wine was cellared for 18 months prior to release and exhibits aromas of black currant, licorice and sandalwood, plus a background note of mint.  Concentrated flavors of black currant, blackberry, dark chocolate, and cedar blossom with aeration, show different facets over time.  The label features “Highway and Byways” – a 1929 painting by artist Paul Klee.  To complement the label, the capsule on the bottle bears a drawn adaptation of “Highway and Byways” and – on top, covering the cork – a modified version of the Bauhaus curriculum diagram.  Klee taught at the Bauhaus for ten years.  Kenwood Vineyards initiated the Artist Series in 1975 with the idea to handcraft its best possible Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon and bottle each vintage with a label showcasing a work of fine art.  In years past the Series has presented works by such artists as Joan Miró, Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh and Wayne Thiebaud.  Each vintage has become a collectible.  Suggested retail is $69.  Available from Horizon Beverage.