Introducing the 2019 Cardinale Cabernet Sauvignon, a remarkable red wine hailing from California, USA. This exquisite wine showcases the epitome of Cabernet Sauvignon, exuding elegance, power, and complexity. With a deep red color that catches the eye, it is a visual representation of the bold flavors that await.
On the nose, the 2019 Cardinale Cabernet Sauvignon offers a captivating bouquet of beautiful brown spices, raspberry, boysenberry, leather, and tobacco. Nuances of smoky clove, crushed wild herbs, and cinnamon add depth and intrigue. As you take your first sip, the same aromatic symphony dances on your palate, enveloped by burly tannins that provide texture and grip. The wine finishes with intense pops of red and violet florals, leaving a lasting impression.
Renowned wine critic Decanter awarded this vintage a remarkable score of 97 points, praising its tremendous poise, vivacity, and complexity in its youth. They predict that these qualities will only deepen with time in the bottle, making it an excellent addition to any cellar.
James Suckling, another esteemed critic, bestowed a score of 98 points upon the 2019 Cardinale Cabernet Sauvignon. He highlights the wine's incredible aromas of crushed lead pencil, tile, and dried flowers, accompanied by blackberries and brambleberries. The palate is full-bodied, with round and polished tannins. The wine's precision and polish take your taste buds on a journey through the various regions of Napa, showcasing the best of each, from Howell Mountain to St. Helena.
Jeb Dunnuck also sings the praises of this wine, awarding it 98+ points. He describes it as a pure, classic California Cabernet Sauvignon, with notes of crème de cassis, spicy oak, chalky minerality, graphite, and spring flowers. The wine exhibits a deep, rich mid-palate, beautiful tannins, notable acidity, and a great finish. Dunnuck believes that the 2019 Cardinale Cabernet Sauvignon can offer pleasure today and will continue to evolve over the next 20-25 years or more.
The 2019 Cardinale Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Merlot, sourced from multiple mountain AVAs in the valley. Winemaker Chris Carpenter carefully selected the grapes to create a wine that represents the best of both mountain and valley-floor fruit. The resulting wine is rich, velvety, and mouthwatering, with cherries and cassis dominating the nose, complemented by barrel-derived notes of vanilla, powdered sugar, and cedar.
Antonio Galloni of Vinous awarded this vintage an impressive 97+ points, praising its finesse and balance. He notes that the wine showcases floral overtones that lift a core of red cherry fruit, pomegranate, and blood orange. Galloni predicts that the 2019 Cardinale Cabernet Sauvignon will enjoy a long life based on its spectacular balance.
Wine Spectator also joins the chorus of praise, awarding this wine a score of 95 points. They describe it as an inviting, fruit-driven style with a gorgeous display of plum puree and blackberry confiture. Notes of licorice and apple wood add complexity, while a loamy accent lingers on the finish. Despite its polished feel, the wine possesses serious grip, making it a perfect companion for aging.
The 2019 Cardinale Cabernet Sauvignon is a truly exceptional wine that showcases the best of California's terroir. With its captivating aromas, bold flavors, and remarkable aging potential, it is a wine that deserves a place in any wine connoisseur's collection. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for years to come, this wine is sure to leave a lasting impression.