2016 Cardinale Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

JD99 Just about as close to perfection as a wine can get, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon from winemaker Chris Carpenter comes mostly from mountain vineyards and is 89% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Merlot. This full-bodied, rounded, thrillingly textured beauty boasts a saturated purple color as well as a huge nose of crème de cassis, new saddle leather, barbecue smoke, and scorched earth. It has perfect integration of its fruit, tannins, acidity, and oak, carries remarkable power and intensity, yet still glides over the palate with no heaviness or sensation of weight. It’s going to be a legendary Napa Valley Cabernet and will have 3 decades or more of longevity.
WA97 The deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Proprietary Red Wine is blended of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Merlot. It opens with compelling chocolate box and licorice scents over a core of black and red currants, warm plums and baking spices with hints of cedar chest and pencil lead. The palate is full-bodied with layers of cassis and kirsch flavors framed by firm, grainy tannins and fabulous freshness, finishing long and spicy. 4,772 cases produced.
Winemaker’s Notes: The 2016 vintage began with a prolific spring that brought an ample amount of rain which helped replenish the soils. A steady growing period followed and showed no major heat spikes, allowing
for even ripening throughout the season. Midway through harvest, we experienced a weather pattern that brought a hint of rain, which slowed things down by a few days, but produced nothing that would affect the quality of the fruit. An early finish to harvest laid the groundwork with an even, generous crop load that showed a promising future during this exceptional vintage. 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot. 20 months in 100% French oak, 93% new