Lot 160
CARDINALE 2002 (3) WA 96
CARDINALE 2006 (4) WA 94+
Lot 160 Details
CARDINALE 2002 (3)
Napa Valley.
A profound blend from superstar winemaker Chris Carpenter, the 2002 Cardinale is composed of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Merlot from two of the Jackson Family’s top vineyards on Mt. Veeder (70% of the blend), the Keyes Vineyard on Howell Mountain (12% of the blend), and the rest from fruit purchased from the To-Kalon Vineyard in Oakville. This spectacular 2002 is drinkable, but it is still 3-4 years away from its plateau of full maturity. A large-scaled, intense, extraordinary Cabernet Sauvignon that combines power with elegance, it exhibits an inky/ruby/purple color as well as a sweet nose of vanilla, toast, creme de cassis, cedar and licorice. With gorgeous ripeness and texture in addition to a multidimensional personality, it can be drunk now, but will be even better in a few years. It will last for 15-20 years. There are 750 cases of the 2002 Cardinale. WA 96
CARDINALE 2006 (4)
Napa Valley.
One of the flagship wines of the Jess Jackson empire, this 1,500 case cuvee is a blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Merlot aged in 100% new French oak for 22 months. Made from a combination of mountain vineyard fruit (from Mt. Veeder, Howell Mt., and Spring Mt.) and fruit from valley floor sites in Oakville, St. Helena, and Stags Leap, for a 2006, this cuvee offers surprising accessibility and openness. A sumptuous bouquet of cedarwood, black cherries, black currants, licorice, and wet rocks/crushed stones give way to a broad, opulent, fleshy wine offering sweet tannin, abundant quantities of sexy, ripe fruit, a full-bodied, layered mouthfeel, and a velvety finish. This is an atypically sumptuous 2006 that should drink well for 15-20 years. Kudos to winemaker Christopher Carpenter for this brilliant effort. December 2008 WA 94+