Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
The outstanding 1995 (2,800 cases made from a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon and 23% Merlot) is somewhat overwhelmed when tasted next to the extraordinary 1996 and 1997. The wine's opaque purple color is followed by copious quantities of toast, cassis, tobacco, earth, and spice in a full-blown bouquet. Full-bodied, with superb purity, and a gorgeous marriage of power and elegance, this classic offering should age effortlessly for 20-25+ years. Cardinale is the jewel in the Kendall-Jackson portfolio. The wine, which draws its fruit from the finest vineyards owned by Jess Jackson (the Alexander Mountain Estate, Liparita Vineyard on Howell Mountain, Veeder Peak, and the winery's Napa Vineyard), is a luxury-priced cuvee aged for 20-22 months in 100% new French oak, and bottled without filtration. Malolactic fermentation is done in barrel, and the production is modest, averaging between 2,800-4,000 cases. I was blown away by the wine. Cardinale's winemaker is Charles Thomas, an articulate, brilliant young man who was a star winemaker at Mondavi before he was lured away by Jess Jackson. Kudos to winemaker Charles Thomas! Tel. (800) 588-0279; Fax (800) 600-5895.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Red-ruby color. Perfumed aromas of dark berries, nutmeg, and nutty, spicy oak. Bright, juicy and tightly wrapped, with excellent flavor intensity and firm but harmonious acids. Quite backward today and in need of patience. Best today on the persistent aftertaste, which features firm but integrated tannins and a spicy dark berry flavor.