Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Skip to content

Image + Description

2016 ai Cabernet Sauvignon 750ml red wine bottle

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. 
 

Purchase ai

 

Mod-Sml

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.”

 JAMES SUCKLING ON AI

 

2019

ai represents the color indigo in the Japanese language. Traditionally used for ages in textile dyeing, indigo is a rare commodity — just as the wine that bears its name. The 2019 ai is a return to the opulent, full bodied, wines of yore. Dark aromas of black pepper, crushed granite, plum preserves and cinnamon describe this sizzling aromatic puzzle, hastening you towards a wonderfully integrated palate of supple and luscious tannins. Ambrosial fruits mingle with a divine spice, and all are framed by a soft and sweet French oak tannin. Like the Indigo artist who carefully applies his craft, the 2019 ai is constructed with the gentlest touch from our talented winemaking team. Enjoy now and for many years to come. 

2018

AWARDS

100 Points | California Wine Advisor: "A masterpiece that must be tasted to believe the intensity of exotic fruit flavors and cashmere-like texture ... a captivating experience we highly recommend"
92+ Points | Robert Parker Wine Advocate: "Full-bodied, concentrated and oh-so-decadent"
94 Points | James Suckling: "Beautiful, incredibly pure bouquet, shows the purity and classic style of this vintage"

COLOR

Dark Indigo

BOUQUET

Plum, cinnamon, vanilla, cherry preserves, white pepper, slate

PALATE

Dense, velvety texture; soft tannins, lingering finish

ORIGIN

Estate Bottled, Napa Valley

VINTNER

Kenzo Tsujimoto

WINEMAKER

Heidi Barrett

VITICULTURIST

David Abreu

CÉPAGE

Cabernet Sauvignon (91%), Merlot (4%), Petit Verdot (3%), Cabernet Franc (2%)

VOLUME

1.5L, 750ml, 375ml

ALCOHOL

15.2% 

BARREL AGING

20 months in 50% new French oak, 50% neutral French oak

2016

Awards

93 Points - "firm, fine-grained tannins. Rich style with a warm finish" - James Suckling

Color

Deep maroon

Bouquet

Wild strawberry, vanilla extract, dark chocolate, ripe apricot, white pepper, cigar box, cedar, leather

Palate

Dense, yet delicate. Ripe red berry with a hint of dusty earth supported by young, integrated tannins

Origin

Estate Bottled, Napa Valley

Vintner

Kenzo Tsujimoto

Winemaker

Heidi Barrett

Viticulturist

David Abreu

Cépage

Cabernet Sauvignon (87%), Malbec (4%), Merlot (4%), Petit Verdot (3%), Cabernet Franc (2%)

Volume

1.5L, 750ml, 375ml

Alcohol

15.2% 

Barrel Aging

20 months in 50% new French oak, 50% neutral French oak

2015

Awards

96 points | The Wine Enthusiast
96 points | James Suckling

Color

Deep burgundy

Bouquet

Wild blackberries, vanilla bean, cedar, blood orange, slate, white pepper

Palate

Savory, well-structured, balanced acidity, silky, well-integrated tannins

Origin

Estate Bottled, Napa Valley

Vintner

Kenzo Tsujimoto

Winemaker

Heidi Barrett

Viticulturist

David Abreu

Cépage

Cabernet Sauvignon (92%), Cabernet Franc (2%), Malbec (2%), Merlot (2%), Petit Verdot (2%)

Volume

1.5L, 750ml, 375ml

Alcohol

15.2% 

Barrel Aging

20 months in 50% new French oak, 50% neutral French oak

2014

Color

Rich maroon

Bouquet

Wild blackberries, vanilla bean, cedar, blood orange, white pepper, slate

Palate

Savory, well-structured, balanced acidity, delicate tannins

Origin

Estate Bottled, Napa Valley

Vintner

Kenzo Tsujimoto

Winemaker

Heidi Barrett

Viticulturist

David Abreu

Cépage

Cabernet Sauvignon (90%), Merlot (4%), Cabernet Franc (2%), Malbec (2%), Petit Verdot (2%)

Volume

1.5L, 750ml, 375ml

Alcohol

15.2% 

Barrel Aging

20 months in 50% new French oak, 50% neutral French oak

2013

Awards

97 points | James Suckling

Color

Rich maroon

Bouquet

Sweet cinnamon, dried apricot, orange zest

Palate

White pepper, sage, thyme flanked by austere tannins

Origin

Estate Bottled, Napa Valley

Vintner

Kenzo Tsujimoto

Winemaker

Heidi Barrett

Viticulturist

David Abreu

Cépage

Cabernet Sauvignon (90%), Malbec (7%), Cabernet Franc (1.5%), Merlot (1.5%)

Volume

1.5L, 750ml, 375ml

Alcohol

14.8% 

Barrel Aging

20 months in 60% new French Oak, 40% neutral French Oak

2012

The 2012 ai is a return to the opulent, full-bodied, wines of yore. Dark aromas of black pepper, crushed granite, plum preserves, and cinnamon hasten you towards a wonderfully integrated pallet of supple and luscious tannins. Ambrosial fruits mingle with a divine spice, and all are framed by a soft and sweet French oak tannin. The 2012 ai is bright and playful in its youth, but patience is a virtue with this wine, as the passage of time will reveal many more layers of complexity.

Color

Dark ruby red

Bouquet

Black pepper, crushed granite, cocoa, new leather, plum preserves and cinnamon

Palate

Firm tannins give way to plum and blackberry, followed by medium acidity on the mid-palate and a lush finish

Origin

Estate Bottled, Napa Valley

Vintner

Kenzo Tsujimoto

Winemaker

Heidi Barrett

Viticulturist

David Abreu

Cépage

Cabernet Sauvignon (87%), Merlot (6.5%), Petit Verdot (4.4%), Cabernet Franc (2.2%)

Volume

750ml, 375ml

Alcohol

14.8% 

Barrel Aging

20 months in 60% new French Oak, 40% neutral French Oak

2011

The 2011 vintage: elegant and angular tannins caress the senses and speak to the cool temperatures that prevailed throughout the season. This is an elegant Cabernet Sauvignon, and a testament to Kenzo Estate’s unwavering quest for quality and superiority.   

COLOR

Bright ruby red

BOUQUET

Blackberry, blueberry, graphite, crushed stone

PALATE

Rich, elegant, understated

ORIGIN

Estate Bottled, Napa Valley

VINTNER

Kenzo Tsujimoto

WINEMAKER

Heidi Barrett

VITICULTURIST

David Abreu

CEPAGE

Cabernet Sauvignon (96%), Cabernet Franc (2%), Petit Verdot (2%)

ALCOHOL

14.2% 

BARREL AGING

20 months in 60% new French Oak, 40% neutral French Oak

2010

Color

Brick red into dark purple

Bouquet

Brandied cherry and cedar with subtle notes of graphite and plum

Palate

A classic Cabernet Sauvignon; notes of blueberry, cassis, and hints of soft leather with rich tannins perfect for aging

Origin

Estate Bottled, Napa Valley

Vintner

Kenzo Tsujimoto

Winemaker

Heidi Barrett

Viticulturist

David Abreu

Cépage

Cabernet Sauvignon (80%), Merlot (10%), Petit Verdot (6%), Cabernet Franc (4%)

Volume

750ml, 375ml

Alcohol

14.2% 

Barrel Aging

20 months in 60% new French Oak, 40% neutral French Oak

2009

Color

Dense dark red to a deep purple

Bouquet

The cedar and black licorice aroma of Cabernet Sauvignon make the first impression, followed by ripe plum and compelling spice with white pepper and marzipan

Palate

Firm tannins speak to the longevity of this wine and pedigree of the site

Origin

Estate Bottled, Napa Valley

Vintner

Kenzo Tsujimoto

Winemaker

Heidi Barrett

Viticulturist

David Abreu

Cépage

Cabernet Sauvignon (84.4%), Merlot (8.9%), Petit Verdot (2.2%), Cabernet Franc (2.2%), Malbec (2.2%)

Volume

750ml, 375ml

Alcohol

14.8% 

Barrel Aging

20 months in 60% new French Oak 

2008

Color

Dense dark red to black

Bouquet

The cedar and black licorice aroma of Cabernet Sauvignon make the first impression, followed by ripe plum and compelling spice with white pepper and marzipan

Palate

Firm tannins speak to the longevity of this wine and pedigree of the site

Origin

Napa Valley

Vintner

Kenzo Tsujimoto

Winemaker

Heidi Barrett

Viticulturist

David Abreu

Cépage

Cabernet Sauvignon (86.9%), Merlot (6.6%), Cabernet Franc (3.3%), Malbec (1.6%), Petit Verdot (1.6%)

Volume

750ml, 375ml

Alcohol

14.2% 

Barrel Aging

20 months in 60% new French Oak 

2007

ORIGIN

Napa Valley

VINTNER

Kenzo Tsujimoto

WINEMAKER

Heidi Barrett

VITICULTURIST

David Abreu

CEPAGE

Cabernet Sauvignon (54.8%), Merlot (28%), Cabernet Franc (6.5%), Petit Verdot (10.8%)

VOLUME

750ml

ALCOHOL

14.2% 

BARREL AGING

20 months in 60% new French Oak 

 

2006

Created out of unwavering passion in the pursuit of perfection, 2006 ai is a gem. Predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine is culled from the highest quality barrels, selected from the finest grapes on the property. The extremely complex fruit manifests a layered flavor, fine structure and depth. As “ai” is the mystical color indigo, it represents an unwavering will for perfection and abundant passion; the appropriate reference for this masterpiece.

Color

Black fading to a dense dark red

Bouquet

Cedar and black licorice are followed by ripe plum and compelling spices of white pepper and marzipan

Palate

Black fruit, cassis and cedar support firm silky tannins

Origin

Napa Valley

Vintner

Kenzo Tsujimoto

Winemaker

Heidi Barrett

Viticulturist

David Abreu

Cépage

Cabernet Sauvignon (90%), Merlot (5%), Cabernet Franc (2.5%), Petit Verdot (2.5%)

Volume

750ml

Vintage 

2006

Alcohol

14.2% 

Barrel Aging

20 months in 60% new French Oak 

2005

ORIGIN

Napa Valley

VINTNER

Kenzo Tsujimoto

WINEMAKER

Heidi Barrett

VITICULTURIST

David Abreu

CEPAGE

Cabernet Sauvignon (86.4%), Merlot (8.7%), Cabernet Franc (1.9%), Petit Verdot (3%)

VOLUME

750ml

ALCOHOL

14.2% 

BARREL AGING

20 months in 60% new French Oak