95pts Decanter

Sourced from Beckstoffer Heritage Vineyards, which produces 4% of the blend, including Atlas Peak Sangiovese. I really love this wine as it combines the richness and integrity of the Beckstoffer fruit with this wonderful lifted freshness and spine of tangy, racy acidity from the Sangiovese. Medium to full-bodied with crunchy red fruit, conifer notes, and red currants laced with brown baking spices. It's super intriguing and wonderfully layered. OIt is one of the most intriguing reds that I have tasted in the lineup of Kirk Venge's 2021 wines. Claus Janzen, the founder, is from Canada. Kyle Janzen, the second generation, is the co-owner and GM. Kirk Venge began making wine in 2003 for Bacio Divino, which means "Divine Kiss" in Italian. Today, the wines are made at B Cellars and have been since 2014.

93pts Wine Advocate

The 2021 Artful Red Wine is mainly Cabernet Sauvignon. More classically built than the forward, opulent 2022, it reveals similar aromatics—notes of cedar, vanilla and black cherries—but also mixes in some red berries. It's full-bodied and ripe but more streamlined, with a smooth mouthfeel that (mostly) conceals considerable tannic heft, more evident on the dusty-textured finish. While approachable now, it should also improve and last for at least a decade, perhaps longer.

Tasting Notes

Aromas: The nose is expressive with notes of cedar, vanilla, and black cherries, layered with red berries and hints of tobacco and pencil shavings.
Palate: It is full-bodied and ripe, featuring crunchy red fruit, currants, and brown baking spices. Reviewers highlight its "lifted freshness" and "tangy, racy acidity" provided by the Sangiovese.
Structure: The wine has a smooth mouthfeel with significant but well-concealed tannins that lead to a dusty-textured, elegant finish.