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Tasting notes
The very severe selection because of the difficulties imposed by the 1998 vintage has resulted in only 1,100 cases of the 1998 Cardinale. It has turned out to be a full-bodied, deep, rich wine with plenty of black currant/cherry fruit infused with some cedar, spice box, tobacco, and toasty new oak. While it does not have much depth, volume and length, it is an outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine that defies the vintage's so-so reputation for Cabernet and Merlot. Moreover, it should drink well for at least 15 or more years. (Release date 9/01) Tel. (800) 588-0279; Fax (800) 600-5895.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Medium ruby. Perfumed, fruity aromas of black cherry, espresso, bitter chocolate and menthol. Dense and lush for the vintage, with a restrained sweetness and lovely balancing acids. Not a wine of huge depth, but subtle and long on the aftertaste, with unusually even tannins.