Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Cardinale
Label Name:
 
Napa Valley
Vintage:
 
2015
Country:
 
United States
Region:
 
Napa Valley (blend from multiple sub‑AVAs including Mount Veeder, Howell Mountain and benchland sites)
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
14.5%
Grape(s):
 
Cabernet Sauvignon (90%), Merlot (10%)
Method:
 
Blended from multiple Napa vineyards; fermented in small lots and aged in French oak (predominantly new) for extended maturation before blending and bottling.
Acidity:
 
3
Tannins:
 
5
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
5
Length:
 
5
Aroma Intensity:
 
5
Best Temperature:
 
16-18
Tasting Note:
 
Concentrated dark blackberry and cassis with notes of graphite, cocoa, cedar and Asian spice; velvety, structured tannins and a long, layered finish.
Food Pairing:
 
Western: grilled ribeye, roast lamb, mushroom risotto, aged cheddar. Asian: Korean BBQ (bulgogi/galbi), Peking duck, Cantonese char siu, spicy Sichuan beef.
Vineyard Info:
 
Cardinale, founded 1982 and now part of Jackson Family Wines, crafts a limited-production, terroir-driven Napa Cabernet under winemaker Christopher Carpenter.
Awards/Ratings:
 
Jeb Dunnuck 97 pts (2015); Wine Advocate 96 (2015, sometimes listed 96+); Tasting Panel 97; Wine Spectator and other critics gave high scores; 5%