Cardinale Napa Valley 2015

Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Cardinale
Label Name:
 
Napa Valley
Vintage:
 
2015
Country:
 
United States
Region:
 
Napa Valley (blend from multiple sub‑AVAs including Mount Veeder, Howell Mountain and benchland sites)
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
14.5%
Grape(s):
 
Cabernet Sauvignon (90%), Merlot (10%)
Acidity:
 
3
Tannins:
 
5
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
5
Length:
 
5
Aroma Intensity:
 
5
Best Temperature:
 
16-18°C

Awards/Ratings
Jeb Dunnuck 97 pts (2015); Wine Advocate 96 (2015, sometimes listed 96+); Tasting Panel 97; Wine Spectator and other critics gave high scores; 5%

Tasting Note
Concentrated dark blackberry and cassis with notes of graphite, cocoa, cedar and Asian spice; velvety, structured tannins and a long, layered finish.

Food Pairing
Western: grilled ribeye, roast lamb, mushroom risotto, aged cheddar. Asian: Korean BBQ (bulgogi/galbi), Peking duck, Cantonese char siu, spicy Sichuan beef.

Production Method
Blended from multiple Napa vineyards; fermented in small lots and aged in French oak (predominantly new) for extended maturation before blending and bottling.

Vineyard Info
Cardinale, founded 1982 and now part of Jackson Family Wines, crafts a limited-production, terroir-driven Napa Cabernet under winemaker Christopher Carpenter.