2009 Artz

2009 Artz Vineyard - Red Mountain

This firmly structured blend shows the usual array of layer upon layer of fruit, herb, spice and Red Mountain minerality.

	Wine:	Artz Vineyard Red Blend
	Blend:	41% cabernet franc, 35% merlot, 24% cabernet sauvignon
	Vineyard:	Artz
	AVA:	Red Mountain
	Aging:	18 months in French oak, 32% new
	Bottled:	May 4, 2011
	Production:	364 cases
	Notes:	Deep ruby red. Expressive nose of blue fruits, menthol, lavender, thyme, sage, cedar and spice box, dried tobacco, black cherry undertones, and iron minerality. Firm fore- and mid-palate with nicely integrated acidity. Classic Artz, emphasizing structure in its youth but revealing subtle flavors of sage, tangy berry, plum, and mineral. Will benefit from 2 to 3 years of additional cellaring.
	Review:	90 points, Wine Advocate, October 2011: "Herbs, incense, clove, violets, and black currant aromas are followed by a savory, incipiently complex, nicely balanced wine... Drink this suave effort through 2019."
	Trade: