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Tasting notes
95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot. A wet winter, dry spring and hot summer. Irrigation from July as the winter rains were used up – though this is later than in previous years that were marked by drought. Leaf removal was abandoned in the mountain vineyards to shade the grapes in the intense summer sun. Deep purple colour. Sweet but sophisticated black fruit on the nose – a little monotone but intense. Very soft tannins give a spherical and seamless mouthfeel. Succulent cassis and toasty oak are both intense here. An impressive wine for those who like the style. Sticky brambly fruit on the finish – just a little too sweet. (TP)
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
A blend of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot from throughout the valley that was brought up in 80% new French oak, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon is dominated by its Stags Leap fruit (which is 30% of the blend) and has the classic elegance and spicy character of that district as well as great red and blue fruits, a seamless, building mid-palate, ripe yet present tannins, and ample tobacco, earth, and spice aromas and flavors. It's plush and textured on the palate yet has the structure to evolve for two decades.
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.
There was no Wallis vineyard fruit used this vintage. Very deep purple-black colored, the 2017 Cardinale charges out of the glass with notes of fresh blackcurrants, blackberries and Black Forest cake plus hints of menthol, cardamom, baking spices and lilacs plus a waft of cigar box. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is built like a brick house with firm, grainy, ripe tannins and fantastic freshness supporting the taut, muscular black fruits, finishing long and mineral laced. 1,440 cases produced.