2018 Cardinale Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
2018 Cardinale Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley This year, the tools include seven appellations and 32 individual wine lots. With the right vision, Cardinale crafted the finished piece – 2018 Cardinale. Super structured and with minerality to spare, this Cabernet Sauvignon offers a real presence on the palate from start to finish. Generous notes of dark chocolate balance beautifully with a blue and black fruit flavor explosion, finishing with a subtle whisper of rose petal.
Blend: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot
Cardinale
Cardinale was born in 1982, with a mission to produce a singular Cabernet Sauvignon from the highest-quality vineyards in Napa Valley. All sub-appellations of the region were to be considered, and grape sources could change from year to year, to create the most distinctive wine from each vintage.
Our stone winery is in the heart of Napa Valley in the celebrated Oakville district, directly off Highway 29. Upon arrival, you will enjoy a panoramic view unsurpassed in Napa Valley, leading to a serene space offering a superior wine experience.
We welcome visitors to Cardinale Estate, though an appointment is required. We offer an intimate tasting experience led by the knowledgeable and dedicated estate team. Seated and private tastings are available and include the current Cardinale vintage, and selections from the library.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is the world’s foremost red wine-grape variety. Though widely cultivated throughout the world, it is most commonly associated with the red wines of Bordeaux.
In the vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are small, thick-skinned and decidedly blue-colored, with a high pip-to-pulp ratio. Its thick skin results in wines of profoundly deep color, and the pips add a high level of tannin.
It ripens late, which is advantageous in warmer climates like Bordeaux, France and California. In colder growing environments, Cabernet Sauvignon can easily fail to ripen properly. Unripe Cabernet Sauvignon shows a lot of the aromas similar to unripe Cabernet Franc, notably a green or herbaceous character. This may not be entirely surprising, as Cabernet Sauvignon’s parents are Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc.
Cabernet Sauvignon’s flavors can vary from region to another. Cabernet Sauvignon produced in Bordeaux’s Margaux appellation varies considerably from one grown farther north in Pauillac, for example. The best Cabernet Sauvignon wines tend to have deep color, good structure and a full body. They are tannic in youth, especially when aged in oak, and often require a few years to soften before they become enjoyable to drink. Typical flavors may include black fruits like blackcurrant or blackberry, as well as fragrant cigar box, tobacco and coffee.