Cardinale Cardinale 2007

Region and Vineyards

Cardinale 2007 is sourced entirely from Napa Valley, with approximately 90% of the fruit coming from mountain vineyards. The blend integrates grapes from iconic regions:

• Howell Mountain (1,825 feet): Contributes cassis, blueberry, herbal notes, and firm structure, grown in white and red volcanic rocky loam soils.
• Spring Mountain (1,800 feet): Adds minerality, smokiness, floral tones, and length from volcanic loam soils.
• Mount Veeder (1,800 feet): Known for bold tannins, dark fruit, and floral aromas, grown in gravelly black soils.
• Diamond Mountain (1,850 feet): Brings red fruit, cassis, and a silky mouthfeel from volcanic loam.
• Oakville and St. Helena Benchlands (150 feet): Enhance mid-palate richness, chocolate, crème, and black cherry flavors.

This blend reflects the diverse terroirs of Napa Valley, combining high-elevation freshness with benchland opulence.

Winemaking

The 2007 vintage is a blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Merlot, meticulously aged for 22 months in 100% French oak barrels, of which 90% are new.

The meticulous ageing process enhances the wine’s complexity, balancing the structure imparted by mountain fruit with the lushness of warmer valley grapes. The result is a wine that is both approachable and capable of long-term cellaring.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Opaque purple with stunning vibrancy.
• Aroma: Aromas of sweet red and black currants, kirsch, spice box, licorice, and hints of toasty new oak.
• Palate: Full-bodied and layered, with flavors of dark fruit, anise, graphite, and velvety tannins. The wine offers a supple texture and a long, elegant finish.
• Ageing Potential: Capable of evolving beautifully for 25 years.

Did you know?

The 2007 vintage received 94 points from Robert Parker, who highlighted its structure, depth, and long-term potential. This wine is a testament to Cardinale’s philosophy of blending exceptional vineyard sources to craft a unified and harmonious expression.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled Ribeye with Herb Butter: The wine’s bold tannins and dark fruit complement the richness of a well-marbled steak.
• Braised Lamb Shank with Rosemary: The earthy flavors of lamb pair beautifully with the wine’s herbal and anise notes.
• Dark Chocolate Mousse with Black Cherry Coulis: The wine’s kirsch and cassis flavors harmonize with the dessert’s richness.
• Aged Gouda or Parmigiano-Reggiano: The wine’s complexity enhances the nutty, umami characteristics of these cheeses.

History of Cardinale

Founded in 1982, Cardinale represents the pinnacle of Napa Valley winemaking, with a singular focus on crafting a single wine of exceptional quality. The winery was established with the vision of creating a Cabernet Sauvignon blend that would embody the best of Napa Valley’s mountain-grown fruit. This philosophy set Cardinale apart, focusing on quality over quantity and precision over volume.

Cardinale became part of the Jackson Family Wines portfolio in the 1990s, a move that provided the winery with access to some of Napa Valley’s most coveted mountain vineyards. This partnership also reinforced the commitment to sustainable farming practices and meticulous winemaking. Over the years, Cardinale has earned its place among the elite Napa wineries, consistently producing vintages that showcase a seamless balance of power, elegance, and terroir expression.

Winemaker Christopher Carpenter, who has been at the helm since the early 2000s, brought a fresh perspective and a meticulous approach to blending. Carpenter’s background in viticulture and his deep understanding of Napa’s mountain vineyards have allowed him to masterfully craft wines that are greater than the sum of their parts. Under his guidance, Cardinale wines have gained international acclaim for their depth, complexity, and aging potential, solidifying the estate’s reputation as one of Napa Valley’s finest.

The winery itself, located in the Oakville AVA, reflects its dedication to excellence. Designed to support small-lot fermentation and blending, the facility is equipped to handle each vineyard block with precision. This attention to detail at every stage, from vineyard to bottle, underscores Cardinale’s commitment to creating wines of exceptional quality that can stand the test of time.

Region and Vineyards

Cardinale sources its grapes from some of Napa Valley’s most celebrated mountain vineyards, each contributing unique characteristics to the blend. These include Howell Mountain, Spring Mountain, Mount Veeder, Diamond Mountain, and Stags Leap District. These high-altitude sites, ranging from 100 to 1,850 feet, benefit from rocky soils of volcanic origin, steep exposures, and cooler temperatures, which allow for slow ripening and exceptional flavor concentration.

The diversity of these mountain terroirs contributes distinctive elements to the blend:

• Howell Mountain provides dark fruit flavors, earthiness, and minerality.
• Spring Mountain adds red fruit characteristics, silky tannins, and excellent aging potential.
• Mount Veeder contributes blue fruit notes, structure, and a distinct minerality.
• Diamond Mountain lends dark cherry, bittersweet chocolate, and a mid-palate richness.

Wine Range of Cardinale

Cardinale produces a single wine: a limited-production Cabernet Sauvignon blend, complemented with small amounts of Merlot. Each vintage is a reflection of the meticulous blending of mountain-grown fruit, emphasizing structure, depth, and balance.

The wine is aged for 20–22 months in 90–100% new French oak, bottled unfiltered, and designed for long-term aging. Its complexity and elegance have earned it acclaim as one of Napa Valley’s finest expressions of Cabernet Sauvignon.

Did You Know?

Cardinale’s blending philosophy is akin to composing a symphony. Each mountain vineyard represents a distinct note, and together, they create a wine of remarkable harmony, texture, and depth.