November is my wine club’s annual Big Red Tasting. The point of it is to try some wines that might be special occasion wines, or nice gift wines, or if you have more money than I do, just nice wines that might be in your regular weekend drinking repertoire. (if so, I am oh-so-jealous) Of course, since I collect Artist labels, this is justification to purchase (and keep the label) of a Kenwood Artists Series Cabernet. I’ve had 3 or 4 of them, and loved every one. The 2002 is currently released and so we purchased that. It was just wonderful, as I expected. What I like about the Artists Series wines. other than the labels, is how smooth they are. They don’t require decanting to drink, they improve with some breathing, but they are very drinkable directly out of the bottle. Too many cabs need air to be enjoyable. I don't mind decanting, but I wouldn't mind enjoying a half glass while I wait and seeing the difference. Its the top of the Kenwood line, so its also consistently good. Typically, Kenwood adds just a little bit, maybe 10% or so, of other varietals to smooth out the blend. The 2002 is:91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Malbec, 3% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and is aged 26 months in French Oak. Here’s some tasting notes from the winery:
The 2002 Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon is a rich, concentrated wine with aromas of red currants black cherries, and plums followed by aromatic notes of French oak, spice and black licorice. It exhibits excellent structure that is characterized by its full-bodied mouth feel, smooth tannins and lingering, silky finish. This Artist Series was bottle aged before release making it very drinkable now but it should continue to improve for at least another decade.
It retails for $65-70, if you can find it for less than $50 on a closeout, pick up a couple bottles. If you can find it for less than $40, pick up a case and I’ll buy it from you. Cheers!
The 2002 Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon is a rich, concentrated wine with aromas of red currants black cherries, and plums followed by aromatic notes of French oak, spice and black licorice. It exhibits excellent structure that is characterized by its full-bodied mouth feel, smooth tannins and lingering, silky finish. This Artist Series was bottle aged before release making it very drinkable now but it should continue to improve for at least another decade.
It retails for $65-70, if you can find it for less than $50 on a closeout, pick up a couple bottles. If you can find it for less than $40, pick up a case and I’ll buy it from you. Cheers!
1 comment:
We opened the 01 that you found on clearance several months ago. (February? March?) Anyway it was perfect. It was just ready to go out of the bottle. Didn't even need decanting. Yum.
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