Guided by the vintage character of each year, these wines assemble the distinctive flavors and personality of individual Napa Valley appellations into a richly layered, balanced whole. The 2019 is a great example of this, with its great primary fruit characters, but also tons of rose petal, cedar, espresso bean, and pain grillé. The ’19s have a compelling savory aspect that really comes through in this wine – a perfect frame for the intense, dark fruit of the mountains.

Cardinale offers the same winning combination in vinous form: a brilliant ensemble of celebrated Napa Valley vineyards where each brings its own personality and flavor contributions to create a singular storyline of their vintage. The 2017 has the signature structure of Cardinale and showcases Asian spice, blackberries, sweet black cherry, a touch of cedar, and a lush tannin expression that carries on the tradition of this wine at the highest level.

Cardinale offers the same winning combination in vinous form: a brilliant ensemble of celebrated Napa Valley vineyards where each brings its own personality and flavor contributions to create a singular storyline of their vintage. With its array of top-notch vineyard sources and nuanced layers of dark berry, espresso bean, cedar, and rose petal, the 2015 Cardinale is truly Napa Valley at its best, with no room for wine desperados as it rides off into the sunset.

“In 2013, we knew that Mother Nature had created her transcendent work. It was up to us to present Cardinale to you as one of the wines that would exemplify this vintage now and far into the future. This was a responsibility we did not take lightly, knowing we had to focus on the depth, the power, the subtlety and complexity of this vintage. In the end I am confident we created a wine that captures that idea and those aspects and celebrates 2013 as it should be– transcendent." 

“The 2011 Cardinale has aged gracefully over time. Similar to a great Bordeaux vintage, the fruit continues to shine, and the tannins have softened, while the savory characters that defined the 2011 vintage continue to eloquently develop. With aromatics of dark cherry, sage, black pepper and toast, accompanied by flavors of bright fruit, Asian spice, and espresso bean – this wine continues to present itself beautifully and will continue to do so for decades to come.”

“Layering of sensory qualities from Mount Veeder and Howell Mountain is the foundation of every Cardinale, and 2009 gave us aromas of rose petal, mineral and cassis, and palate impressions of blackberry, dragon fruit and dark chocolate, with a silky, mouth-filling texture.”

“At 10 years old, it’s in peak drinking condition, with mouth-filling fruit, supple texture, velvety tannins and distinctive anise and graphite notes. Mountain vineyards contributed approximately 90% of the grapes to the blend and time has rounded their youthful edges. Fruit from warmer benchland vineyards in Oakville and St. Helena enhance the mid-palate and richness.”

“Inviting floral aromas, with hints of black cherry, blackberry jam and cassis, lead to a mouthful of similar flavors, plus anise, vanilla crème, flint and toast. Beautifully balanced, this Cardinale owes its opulence and silky tannins to fruit from To Kalon, Taylor and Clem Carinalli Vineyards, which make up thirty percent of the blend.”

“Early rains and late heat spikes were challenges, yet detailed blending created a cohesive Cardinale. After multiple blending trials, the final wine leads with black currant, anise, the minerality of Mount Veeder and Howell Mountain, the gravelly palate of Oakville, and the soft character of Stags Leap.”

“The last Cardinale vineyard to include Sonoma County grapes, it’s a vintage with a tremendous amount of tannin in the Cabernet, which drove the addition of a larger percentage of Merlot.”