Cardinale is a Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine, primarily composed of fruit fromtwo estate mountain vineyards on Howell Mountain and Mount Veeder. Since the1995 vintage, our Keyes Vineyard on Howell Mountain and Veeder Peak Vineyardon Mount Veeder have represented the core of the wine, contributing extraordinaryrichness and depth to the blend.

Each vineyard block destined for Cardinale is selected for the distinct footprintof individual flavor components. Our 2000 Cardinale is made from four uniquevineyards that lend precise aromas and flavors layered to create a rich, integratedexpression.

CARDINALE VINEYARDS

Howell Mountain (48 percent)
The grapes from our Howell Mountain vineyard are planted at a 1,700-footelevation with a western facing exposure on the Vaca Mountains. Always the last toripen, this seventy acre vineyard can expect frost as late as June. The cold climatevineyard yields rich flavors of distinct blue fruit, ripe raspberry and complexmineral and earth notes.

Mount Veeder (19 percent)
Planted at an elevation of 1,600 feet in the southern part of the Mayacamas Mountainrange, this pinnacle estate vineyard contributes power and dark fruit flavors to thefinal blend. The Cabernet Sauvignon grows on a sloping hillock on the eastern aspectof the Mayacamas. The steep grade lends a rocky loam soil profile with excellentwater drainage. Cold climate conditions and high elevation produce minimalamounts of fruit with bold black fruit extraction and an austere, elegant structure.

Knights Valley (13 percent)
Peter Michael's Les Pavots Vineyard rests on the steep slopes below Mount St. Helenain Knights Valley. This southern exposure vineyard rests at 1,000 feet above sea levelwith rugged rock and red volcanic ash soil. The warm climate and rocky soils addsupple, lush plum fruit and wonderful opulence that rounds out the middle palate.

Alexander Valley (20 percent)
Two small blocks from the Alexander Mountain Estate ranch at 1,500 feet above theAlexander Valley contribute both Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The clay andsandy loam soils contain a number of outcroppings and steep hillsides. Thisvineyard imparts soft red berry flavors, floral aromatics and greatly contributes tothe wine's opaque purple color.

"Full bright ruby. High-toned, pure aromas of black cherry, licorice, violet and bitter chocolate. Powerful and very intense, with enticingly sweet black cherry and mocha flavors. A rare combination of strength and finesse. This may ultimately be sweeter and suppler than the '99. The tannins are currently covered by extremely persistent fruit. Mt. Veeder and Howell Mountain fruit comprise the core of this blend." -Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar