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Tasting notes
Winemaker Chris Carpenter produced 760 cases of this blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Merlot from four sources, a vineyard on Howell Mountain called Keyes, Veeder Peak, To-Kalon and Stags Leap. One of the Jackson family’s top Bordeaux-styled efforts year in and year out, the superb 2003 Cardinale is performing even better than I remember, having put on weight and filled out. It exhibits a deep ruby/purple color along with sweet kirsch, black currant, Christmas fruitcake, cedarwood and forest floor notes. Deep, full-bodied and voluptuously textured with sweet tannins still in evidence, it can be drunk over the next 15 years. Tel. (866) 462-4741
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(86% cabernet sauvignon and 14% merlot) Ruby-red. Sexy, varietally accurate aromas of currant, cedar, tobacco and violet. Rich and ripe but dry, with lovely purity of black cherry, chocolate and dusty earth flavors. The wine's lively acids and fine tannins frame the fruit and carry the finish, which features lovely aromatic character and brooding dark berry fruitiness. Classy, pure wine, built for a couple decades of life in the bottle. (I was unable to taste the 2004, as the wine had recently been racked.)