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Winemaker Chris Carpenter has turned out a brilliant wine that’s a blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Merlot, from the To-Kalon, Taylor, Veeder Peak and Keyes vineyards, so this is definitely a cross-Napa Valley offering. This wine has an opaque purple color, a big sweet kiss of licorice, incense, lead pencil shavings and a boatload of creme de cassis and blueberry liqueur. Tannins are present, but ripe, and the wine is voluptuously textured and full-bodied, with stunning purity and stature on the palate. This is one serious, yet approachable, proprietary red that can be drunk now, or cellared for another 10-15+ years. Tel. (707) 948-2643
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Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Bright ruby-red. Complex, brooding nose offers black plum, black raspberry, cedar, licorice, tobacco and slatey minerality; reminded me of a Medoc wine. Then sweet, dense and stylish, with nicely integrated acidity giving lift to the concentrated dark fruit and mineral flavors. Serious, seamless wine, finishing with building tannins and excellent length. The addition of some cabernet from To Kalon Vineyard helps to fill out the middle palate of this wine.
Consistently one of the best proprietary blends of northern California, Cardinale’s 2004 is 100% Napa fruit (from Mt. Veeder, Howell Mountain, Stags Leap District, and Oakville). This blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Merlot boasts a dense purple color in addition to sweet aromas of kirsch, black currants, licorice, olives, and spice box. Fabulous texture, full-bodied power, pure fruit, and an opulent, voluptuous finish nearly conceal significant tannin. This beauty should drink well young, yet age easily for 15 or more years. Not yet released. Previously recommended: 2003 Proprietary Red Wine (95). Tel. (707) 948-2643; Fax (707) 944-2824