Kenwood Vineyards Commissions Contemporary Artist Sylvia Ji for 32nd Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon

KENWOOD (SONOMA VALLEY), Calif., Nov. 4, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- In 1978 Kenwood Vineyards defined the marriage of fine wine and art when it released its first Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon.  While it wasn't a typical combination, after 32 vintages, Kenwood's Artist Series still masterfully brings them together on the wine's label, this year featuring the work of contemporary artist Sylvia Ji.  Showcasing a different piece of art every year from renowned artists beginning with David Lance Goines, and in subsequent years Joan Miro, Alexander Calder, Pablo Picasso, Sam Francis, Vincent van Gogh, Paul Klee, Wayne Thiebaud and Shepard Fairey, Kenwood is proud to release its 2006 Artist Series with Ji's "La Boheme", specifically commissioned for this release.  Although a Cabernet Sauvignon label is an unlikely canvas for Ji's elegant and enigmatic works of art, the 2006 Artist Series captures the incredible depth frequently expressed in her paintings.  In "La Boheme", she portrays an "old world" glamour and opulence that perfectly complements the complexity and nuances of the Cabernet Sauvignon, itself a delicate balance between the bold flavors and subtleties of Sonoma Terroir.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101104/NYFNSK02 )

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20101104/NYFNSK02 )

Sylvia Ji's artistic ability is akin to another time and place.  Her work encapsulates an alluring beauty that is both cutting edge and a nod to a time-honored technique.  Hauntingly beautiful images brimming with provocation mix with a sense of consternation, hinting that all is not as well as it may initially appear.  Influenced by historical costumes, Ji incorporates Baroque detailing such as luxurious tapestries, ornamental feathers and gold leafing into her art for an even more elaborate and decorative effect.  

Production of the 2006 Kenwood Vineyards Artist Series began with selection of the finest Cabernet Sauvignon lots from Kenwood's extensive Sonoma County vineyard resources. These outstanding vineyard lots were fermented individually in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Racked twice to achieve clarity, the young wines were moved into small oak barrels – 88% French and 12% American – to age for 28 months. To achieve extraordinary character, winemaker Pat Henderson assembled the Artist Series by blending the best Cabernet Sauvignon barrels with 9% Malbec (for black plum fruit and spice), 7% Cabernet Franc (for blueberry fruit, tobacco nuance and elegance) and 6% Petit Verdot (for blackberry fruit and structure). Following bottling, the 2006 Kenwood Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon was cellared at the winery for 18 months prior to release.

Deeply colored, the 2006 Kenwood Vineyards Artist Series Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits powerful cassis, black plum and blueberry aromas, complemented by black pepper, sage and tobacco nuances. Mouthfilling yet seductive flavors of cassis, blueberry and blackberry meld seamlessly with baking spice, cedar and mint notes. Structured and balanced, the harmonious flavors lead to a smooth, lingering finish. While already approachable, the 2006 Kenwood Vineyards Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon displays integrated tannins that suggest continued evolution with cellaring.  

Like Ji's paintings, each vintage of the Artist Series has become a true collectible and the 2006 Kenwood Vineyards Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon promises to continue this tradition, as only 1,696 cases were produced. It is available in selected markets nationally at a suggested retail of $60 per bottle.

Established in 1970 in the Sonoma Valley, Kenwood Vineyards produces premium wines that express the exceptional quality and character of Sonoma County vineyards.

Discover the art – savor the wine.

SOURCE Kenwood Vineyards