2010 Cardinale Red OBS
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Tasting notes
(contains 15% merlot; 95% from mountain fruit; 98% new oak): Good bright ruby-red. Refined, restrained, slightly medicinal aromas of cassis, licorice, herbs, lead pencil and coffee. Sweet, plush and energetic but youthfully reserved, with the medicinal quality carrying through on the palate. Most impressive today on the broad, slowly building finish, which features firm but very suave tannins and terrific lift. This may merit an even higher rating by the time it's released next fall.
Critic scores
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Chris Carpenter has done a fabulous job with the 2010 Cardinale. The wine boasts a huge center of fruit backed up by equally firm, imposing tannins. Layers of dark red fruit, mocha, cinnamon and new leather explode from the glass. The 2010 is a huge Cardinale endowed with superb depth, power and richness. At the same time, there is a mid-palate generosity and pliancy that leads me to believe the 2010 will drink beautifully once the tannins soften a touch. Hints of tar, graphite and iron add personality on the full-bodied, intense finish. The 2010 is 86% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Merlot, predominantly from mountain sites. The ability to blend fruit from various top-notch sites works great here.
Chris Carpenter has done a fabulous job with the 2010 Cardinale. The wine boasts a huge center of fruit backed up by equally firm, imposing tannins. Layers of dark red fruit, mocha, cinnamon and new leather explode from the glass. The 2010 is a huge Cardinale endowed with superb depth, power and richness. At the same time, there is a mid-palate generosity and pliancy that leads me to believe the 2010 will drink beautifully once the tannins soften a touch. Hints of tar, graphite and iron add personality on the full-bodied, intense finish. The 2010 is 86% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Merlot, predominantly from mountain sites. The ability to blend fruit from various top-notch sites works great here. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2030. Tel. (866) 462-4741