Cardinale Napa Valley 2017

Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Cardinale
Label Name:
 
Napa Valley
Vintage:
 
2017
Country:
 
United States
Region:
 
Napa Valley
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
14.5%
Grape(s):
 
95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot
Acidity:
 
3
Tannins:
 
5
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
5
Length:
 
5
Aroma Intensity:
 
5
Best Temperature:
 
16-18°C

Awards/Ratings
Vinous 97 (2019), Wine Enthusiast 97 (2020), Wine Advocate 96 (2019), Jeb Dunnuck 96 (2020); additional high scores from James Suckling and Wine Spectator

Tasting Note
Powerful, full-bodied Cabernet: blackberries, black cherry and blueberry with Asian spice, cedar, graphite and violet. Lush, ripe yet grainy tannins, mentholic lift and a long, mineral-tinged finish.

Food Pairing
Grilled ribeye, roasted lamb, braised short ribs, mushroom risotto, aged cheddar; Korean BBQ, Peking duck, char siu, miso‑glazed eggplant, spicy Szechuan beef.

Production Method
Blended from multiple Napa sub‑appellations (mountain and bench sites); fermented in stainless steel and aged ~20–22 months in French oak (≈80% new).

Vineyard Info
Established 1982; Cardinale (Jackson Family Wines) produces a single flagship Cabernet blend. Winemaker Christopher Carpenter crafts limited-production, ageworthy bottlings from top Napa vineyards.