Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Winemaker Chris Carpenter produced 760 cases of this blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Merlot from four sources, a vineyard on Howell Mountain called Keyes, Veeder Peak, To-Kalon and Stags Leap. One of the Jackson family’s top Bordeaux-styled efforts year in and year out, the superb 2003 Cardinale is performing even better than I remember, having put on weight and filled out. It exhibits a deep ruby/purple color along with sweet kirsch, black currant, Christmas fruitcake, cedarwood and forest floor notes. Deep, full-bodied and voluptuously textured with sweet tannins still in evidence...
One of the most prestigious wines of the world capable of great power and grace, Napa Valley Cabernet is a leading force in the world of fine, famous, collectible red wine. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that this marriage came to light; sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.
Cabernet Sauvignon undoubtedly dominates Napa Valley today, covering half of the land under vine, commanding the highest prices per ton and earning the most critical acclaim. Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure, acidity, capacity to thrive in multiple environs and ability to express nuances of vintage make it perfect for Napa Valley where incredible soil and geographical diversity are found and the climate is perfect for grape growing. Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that express specific characteristics based on situation, slope and soil—as a perfect example, Rutherford’s famous dust or Stags Leap District's tart cherry flavors.