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.
