2016 Kenzo Estate, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon AI

2016 Kenzo Estate, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon AI

2016 Kenzo Estate, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon AI – Indigo – ai represents the color indigo in the Japanese language, an element used in textile dyeing for thousands of years. Indigo is a rare commodity, just as the wine that bears its name, and with aging, both evolve and soften in texture and expression. Selected from the Napa Valley estate’s most superb blocks of Cabernet Sauvignon and enhanced by complementary Bordeaux components, ai is the boldest expression of the estate’s vineyard potential, yet remains accessible while young. This 2018 Napa Valley vintage is hailed as one of the “finest of the past two decades” (Decanter), and the careful creation of this premium Cabernet delivers that higher echelon of purity.

Stewed-blackberry, pine, black-tea and olive-stone aromas on the nose. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, fine-grained tannins. Rich style with a warm finish. Yet, the lightly green olive and spice turn up the interest. Drink or hold.
– James Suckling, 93 pts

KENZO – Prestige cabernet Sauvignon – “This is very reserved at first, before it suddenly opens up with pure currants, underbrush, licorice, tar, crushed stones and dark chocolate shavings. The plush fruit of the vintage is there to be beheld, but it’s so compact and beautifully framed by structured tannins. Lovely acidity drives the palate through to a long, chewy finish. Sexy.”

Kenzo Tsujimoto first achieved success as the founder of Capcom, a Japanese developer and publisher of video games.  During that time, he became enchanted with the Napa Valley after the historic 1976 Judgment of Paris, which launched Napa Valley wines onto the world stage.

As Capcom’s business expanded into the United States, Kenzo sought a serene location to offer an outdoor alternative to the company’s indoor electronic sporting business. His affinity for California wine country and vision to build an outdoor retreat led him to a 3,800-acre mountain valley in Napa’s southeast corner.