Cardinale
Cardinale
Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 1997
So awesome to crack this ‘97 last night with a Wagyu steak. Killer nose of camphor and shroomy undergrowth led a powerful, feminine palate of cassis and light espresso, dark red and blue fruit. Initially came across as young but quickly bricked out visually and as it came to room temp the secondary aromatics - pencil shavings of note - and palate layers - vanilla, espresso, blackcurrant, roasted chocolate bean, light oak - came through. It stayed strong for over 2 hours in decanter and kept evolving, but then headed for a downslope not unexpected for a 27 year old (to say nothing of its downsloping taster!). — 3 months ago
Paololeo
Passo Del Cardinale Primitivo di Manduria
Cork of the north. Smooth, dark fruits. — 9 months ago
Château Croix Cardinale
Revelation Saint-Émilion Red Bordeaux Blend 2023
@delectable: this is the Révélation de Croix Cardinale — 8 months ago
Mt. Brave
Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Many of you that see my posts know I don’t open a Napa Cabernet this young. However, this was selling at my Costco for $69.99. K&L Wine Merchants $99.99. Delectable at $115. So, I had to buy a four. I coravined this bottle for a Somm friend last weekend who likes his Napa reds young. 🤷♂️
While this has seen a bit of bottle evolution, it still needs another 6-8 yrs before I open another and has the potential to pick up another point or two then.
Nose shows; brambly blackberries, stewy black plum, black raspberries, darkest cherries, boysenberries and strawberries off the glass edges. Dry tobacco, leather, dark spice, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon notes, vanilla, anise, dark, rich, turned earth and withering, dark, slightly candied flowers.
The palate expresses some evolution. It is rich, ripe; brambly blackberries, stewy black plum, black raspberries, darkest cherries, boysenberries, hints of blueberries and strawberries off the glass edges. Tarry, dry medium plus tannins. Dry tobacco, leather, dark spice with a touch of heat, mixed darker berry cola, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon notes, vanilla, black tea, anise, mixed fresh & drier herbs, dark, rich, turned earth, barrel shavings/dust, a hint of black pepper, moist, grey clay, dry top soil, dry river stone and withering, dark, red, slightly candied flowers with violets, very round, phat acidity with a well; balanced, big structured, tensioned, lush, elegant and nicely layered & polished finish that lasts a full 90 seconds. Still kind of in its primary stage.
This is made by Chris Carpenter who also makes; Lokoya, Cardinale, La Jota, Hickinbotham (Australia) made at Yangarra. Sofia & I tasted at Yangarra and after tasted his Hickinbotham with him in 2017.
Photos of; staff picking on Mount Veeder, Chris Carpenter in the cellar and scenic shot of Mount Veeder. — 10 months ago
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. — 2 days ago