Cardinale Cardinale 2013

Region and Vineyards

The 2013 vintage draws fruit from some of Napa Valley’s most prestigious mountain vineyards, each contributing unique characteristics to the blend. These include Howell Mountain, Spring Mountain, Mount Veeder, Diamond Mountain, and Stags Leap District. The vineyards sit at elevations ranging from 150 to 1,850 feet, benefiting from cooler temperatures and rocky, well-draining soils.

The volcanic loam and rhyolitic soils typical of these sites provide a backbone of minerality and structure, while the warm days and cool nights enhance the wine's aromatic intensity and natural acidity. The 2013 vintage was defined by an ideal growing season, with consistent warmth and a lack of extreme weather, resulting in balanced, concentrated grapes.

Winemaking

The 2013 Cardinale is a blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Merlot, meticulously crafted to reflect the terroir of each vineyard. Grapes were hand-harvested and sorted for quality before fermentation in stainless steel tanks to preserve the purity of fruit.

The wine was aged for 19 months in 100% French oak barrels, with 91% new oak, enhancing its depth and complexity. The final wine, unfined and unfiltered, is a testament to the precision and skill of winemaker Christopher Carpenter, showcasing the elegance and intensity that define this exceptional vintage.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep garnet with vibrant ruby highlights.
• Aroma: Aromas of blackcurrant, blueberry, and dark cherry, accented by notes of cedar, graphite, and cocoa.
• Palate: Full-bodied and structured, with layers of blackberry, plum, and hints of baking spices. The silky tannins and vibrant acidity provide balance, leading to a long, polished finish with echoes of mocha and earthy minerality.

Did You Know?

The 2013 vintage in Napa Valley is widely regarded as one of the greatest of the 21st century. The perfect balance of weather conditions allowed for optimal ripeness and flavor development, producing wines with exceptional aging potential and complexity.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Prime rib roast with herb crust: The wine’s bold structure and dark fruit notes pair beautifully with the richness of the beef.
• Braised short ribs with red wine reduction: Its tannins and depth complement the savory, slow-cooked flavors of the dish.
• Aged Gruyère or Comté cheese: The wine’s intensity and acidity balance the nuttiness and saltiness of these cheeses.
• Dark chocolate mousse with sea salt: The hints of mocha and cocoa in the wine enhance the dessert’s bittersweet richness.

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.