2004 Artesa Cabernet Sauvignon

[wondersofwine]

56% Napa County, 44% Sonoma County 14.3% alcohol
This is from the Classic Tier (entry level) of Artesa and sells for $25 at the winery. I paid a discounted retail price through Fayetteville Wine Society.
The winery is part of the Codorniu group and Artesa means craftsman or handcrafted but this wine produces over 16,000 cases. Winemaker is Dave Dobson. (The winery sounds interesting. It is on Henry Road, Napa and has some sculptures on the grounds.) The Napa grapes are from the Atlas Peak appellation and the Sonoma grapes are from an Alexander Valley mountainside estate.

Grapes are destemmed only (whole berry clusters.) Aged for 20 months in small French oak cooperage.
Viscous texture. Purple-red color, nearly opaque.
Fruity nose of blackberries/cassis is reflected in rich dark fruit on the palate. More fruit bomb than tannic beast but seems nimble and balanced. Website says it can easily age for 5-10 years. Easy to like but not full of complexity or layers of depth. Approachable now. I had with broiled cheeseburger topped with onion and that dish seemed a suitable match. I think there is definitely a place for such Cabernets as everyday reds. Has anyone else tried this or the reserve Cabernet Sauvignon from Artesa?

[winoweenie]

WOW I've been a pimp for this wine since the 99 vintage. Think I've had every vintage up to the 03 and all with very positive reviews. Will definately get some of the 04 when it shows up in the market. XX&OOs'. WW

[wondersofwine]

Good to have your favorable opinion on the wine, WW.

[wondersofwine]

Drank my second and final bottle of this a few weeks ago. Got a perfumed aroma of dark berries. Palate evokes dark berries and plums. Faint hint of Milk Duds? (chocolate)
Fruity, mellow, not tannic.
Slight astringency if held in the mouth for a prolonged period. Easy to down.