Better, with additional minerality in its red and black currants, graphite, chocolate and dried earth aromas and flavors, the 2011 Artz Vineyard (45% Cabernet Franc, 44% Merlot and 11% Cabernet Sauvignon) is medium to full-bodied, balanced and pure. It’s already hard to resist and should be consumed over the coming 7-8 years.

This blend of 45% Cabernet Franc, 44% Merlot and 11% Cabernet Sauvignon impresses with its accents of dried herbs, cherry and bittersweet chocolate. It’s palatecoating in feel, with a dazzling sense of texture backed by fine-grained tannins.