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Cardinale Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
99 Points - rare Rare release of one of Napa's most sought-after collector Cabs. Limited. 97 Points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "A resounding success for the year, the 2017 Cardinale is truly impressive. It is also one of the most refined young wines I have tasted here. In most vintages, Cardinale is predominantly made from mountain sites, but the 2017 is roughly equal parts mountain and valley floor fruit. Inky blue/purplish fruit, white flowers, lavender and mint all build in the glass. Lifted and beautifully perfumed, the 2017 is exceptionally polished." 98+ Points Jeb Dunnuck: "Pure, classic California notes of crème de cassis, spicy oak, chalky minerality, graphite, and spring flowers emerge from the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, a blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Merlot that's sourced from multiple mountain AVAs in the valley. Full-bodied and powerful on the palate, it has a deep, rich mid-palate, beautiful tannins, notable acidity, and a great, great finish. It's another brilliant wine from Carpenter that can offer pleasure today yet also evolve for 20-25 years or more." 98 Point James Suckling: "So much crushed lead pencil, tile and dried flowers, together with blackberries and brambleberries. Full-bodied with round, polished tannins. Layered and so delicious. Black olives and graphite at the end. This potpourri of Napa cabernet character takes your palate on a tour of so many of the regions, including all the mountains, such as Howell, Veeder and Spring Mountain, as well as Atlas Peak, Stags Leap, Yountville and St. Helena. Precision and polish to the wine. Drinkable now, but better to hold." 96 Points Decanter: "Heady aromas of beautiful brown spices, raspberry, boysenberry, leather and tobacco with the nuances of smoky clove, crushed wild herbs and cinnamon. More of the same unfolds on the palate, framed by burly tannins with grit, and finishing with intense pops of red and violet florals. A tremendously poised red with plenty of vivacity and complexity in youth that will only deepen with time in the bottle." The Cardinale Estate is situated on its own knoll in the heart of Napa Valley's renowned Oakville District. It consists of a striking stone winery, which features a spacious tasting room with expansive views overlooking the valley. Cardinale creates a single wine from each vintage. The wine is a limited production Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend made from distinct and diverse mountain vineyards situated in the Mayacamas and Vaca mountain ranges surrounding the Napa Valley.
Ratings on Delectable
Jay Kline 
Popped and poured. The 2019 pours a deep garnet with an opaque core; medium+ viscosity with significant staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of ripe and tart red and black fruits, green pepper, tobacco, dried herbs, chocolate, purple flowers, cedar box, and baking spice. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ viscosity. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. While Cardinale may not be the “sexiest” label in Napa, it’s got nearly 40 years of history as a consistently exceptional example of Napa, Mountain fruit, Cabernet Sauvignon. If I had this vintage in my cellar, I would decant for an hour+ before service but it shows well on the pop and pour. Drink now with air and through 2049.
Popped and poured. The 2019 pours a deep garnet with an opaque core; medium+ viscosity with significant staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of ripe and tart red and black fruits, green pepper, tobacco, dried herbs, chocolate, purple flowers, cedar box, and baking spice. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ viscosity. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. While Cardinale may not be the “sexiest” label in Napa, it’s got nearly 40 years of history as a consistently exceptional example of Napa, Mountain fruit, Cabernet Sauvignon. If I had this vintage in my cellar, I would decant for an hour+ before service but it shows well on the pop and pour. Drink now with air and through 2049.
9.3
Ethan Karas
Celebrating a special occasion…
Celebrating a special occasion…
9.4
John W
Extremely dark ruby coloration. No translucency. On the nose, cherry, vanilla, dark berry , forest floor, espresso, currant, prune. On the palate, florals/violet, cherry, dark berry, vanilla, plum, oak, long finish of vanilla and cherry. Very smooth, velvety tannins are perfectly balanced. Full and round bodied.
Extremely dark ruby coloration. No translucency. On the nose, cherry, vanilla, dark berry , forest floor, espresso, currant, prune. On the palate, florals/violet, cherry, dark berry, vanilla, plum, oak, long finish of vanilla and cherry. Very smooth, velvety tannins are perfectly balanced. Full and round bodied.
10
See all reviews and ratings on Delectable WARNING: DRINKING DISTILLED SPIRITS, BEER, COOLERS, WINE AND OTHER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES MAY INCREASE CANCER RISK, AND, DURING PREGNANCY, CAN CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS.