2005 Cardinale Red
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Tasting notes
89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 20 months in 100% new French oak. Started in 1982, Cardinale is made with bought-in grapes from sources across Napa that change from year to year. Grapes from Veeder Peak in Mount Veeder and W S Keyes in Howell Mountain formed the bulk of the blend in 2005. Quite mature, with a mulchy green note lurking together with leather and dried cherries. The tannins are quite chewy still, but the fruit has mellowed, allowing quite an earthy tone to dominate the palate. A little drying on the back end against the sweet spice of oak. (TP)
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
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An absolutely spectacular showing for Cardinale in 2005, their Proprietary Red is a blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Merlot that comes in at 14.7% natural alcohol. It is aged 20 months in 100% new French oak and bottled unfiltered by winemaker Chris Carpenter. He sources the fruit from Jackson Family vineyards such as the Veeder Peak Vineyard and the Keyes Vineyard on Howell Mountain and several other sites elsewhere in Napa. In that sense, it’s a cross-Napa Valley blend. A beautiful nose of pure kirsch liqueur as well as crème de cassis jump from the glass of this opaque purple wine. The fabulous fragrance is followed by an equally compelling, full-bodied, opulently textured mouthfeel. The wine has incredible length of a good 45 seconds. It is voluptuously textured, gorgeously pure and fruity, and already strutting its stuff. It should continue to evolve for at least another 10-15 years.
Previously recommended, but no tasting note given. Available through Vin Lux Fine Wines, tel.(866) 462-4641; Fax (866) 853-1707; www.vinluxfinewines.com