A profound blend from superstar winemaker Chris Carpenter, the 2002 Cardinale is composed of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Merlot from two of the Jackson Family’s top vineyards on Mt. Veeder (70% of the blend), the Keyes Vineyard on Howell Mountain (12% of the blend), and the rest from fruit purchased from the To-Kalon Vineyard in Oakville. This spectacular 2002 is drinkable, but it is still 3-4 years away from its plateau of full maturity. A large-scaled, intense, extraordinary Cabernet Sauvignon that combines power with elegance, it exhibits an inky/ruby/purple color as well as a sweet nose of vanilla, toast, creme de cassis, cedar and licorice. With gorgeous ripeness and texture in addition to a multidimensional personality, it can be drunk now, but will be even better in a few years. It will last for 15-20 years. There are 750 cases of the 2002 Cardinale.