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Tasting notes
A profound blend from superstar winemaker Chris Carpenter, the 2002 Cardinale is composed of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Merlot from two of the Jackson Family’s top vineyards on Mt. Veeder (70% of the blend), the Keyes Vineyard on Howell Mountain (12% of the blend), and the rest from fruit purchased from the To-Kalon Vineyard in Oakville. This spectacular 2002 is drinkable, but it is still 3-4 years away from its plateau of full maturity. A large-scaled, intense, extraordinary Cabernet Sauvignon that combines power with elegance, it exhibits an inky/ruby/purple color as well as a sweet nose of vanilla, toast, creme de cassis, cedar and licorice. With gorgeous ripeness and texture in addition to a multidimensional personality, it can be drunk now, but will be even better in a few years. It will last for 15-20 years. There are 750 cases of the 2002 Cardinale. Tel. (707) 948-2643; Fax (707) 944-2824
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(a blend of 88% cabernet sauvignon and 12% merlot, from the To-Kalon Vineyard as well as vineyards on Mt. Veeder and Howell Mountain) Good bright ruby. Briary aromas of cassis, black raspberry, bitter chocolate and minerals. Bright, juicy and intensely flavored, with lively acids firming the black raspberry, black cherry and bitter chocolate flavors. This boasts excellent inner-palate energy. Finishes very long and pure, with sweet tannins and terrific grip. I tasted a pre-fining sample, as most of the wine had just been bottled and was in a shocked state. Incidentally, Cardinale is now 100% from Napa Valley fruit, while Verite and Anakota are entirely from Sonoma. (ST)