Cardinale 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

100 Points - rare                                     
Rare release of one of Napa's most sought-after collector Cabs. Limited.

100 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "Lovely purple fruits with violets, lead pencil, mint, crushed stones, pine needles, resin, and ceramic. Medium to full body with ultra-fine tannins that show a silky beautiful texture. Blend of Stags Leap, Saint Helena, Yountville, and Atlas Peak plus all the mountain vineyards of Cardinale. A blend of 91% cabernet sauvignon and 9% merlot. 3,500 cases produced."

99 Point James Suckling: "The Cardinale 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, with 9% Merlot in the blend, came from eight different appellations this year. Deep garnet-purple in color, it comes bounding out of the glass with exuberant notes of warm cassis, fresh blueberries, and Bing cherries plus suggestions of lilacs, wild sage, allspice, and dark chocolate. The full-bodied palate has an impressive frame of wonderfully-ripe, fine-grained tannins and lovely tension supporting the generous black and red berry layers, finishing long with a fragrant lift."

98 Points Decanter: "The 2021 Cardinale is a blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon from nine different AVAs, plus 9% Merlot from the Jackson Family’s Keyes Vineyard on Howell Mountain. Scents of black cherries, cassis, graphite and crushed stone appear on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is rich, generous, concentrated and expansive, then tightens up and becomes more classically structured and dusty on the lingering, mouthwatering finish.

The Cardinale 2021 from Napa Valley is a luxurious red blend, predominantly composed of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Merlot, showcasing the best fruit from elite mountain vineyards. With an aging process of 22 months in new French oak, this wine reveals a deep, inky purple hue and offers an impressive richness and complexity. Aromas of dark berries, graphite, and subtle herbal notes are complemented by a velvety texture and balanced acidity. Its full-bodied profile is marked by fine tannins and a long, structured finish, making it suitable for both immediate enjoyment and long-term cellaring. This vintage is limited to around 3,500 cases."