Cardinale : Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

Tasting Notes and Serving Tips for Cardinale Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

Tasting

Appearance

A deep garnet-purple hue with intense violet highlights.

Nose

The bouquet reveals great aromatic complexity, with notes of black fruit (blackcurrant, blackberry), black cherry and raspberry. Nuances of cocoa, cinnamon and subtle vanilla accompany touches of graphite, scorched earth and dried herbs. With aeration, the aromas evolve toward cedar and Asian spices.

Palate

The palate offers a medium to full body with a silky texture and perfectly integrated tannins. It unveils generous flavors of black and red fruit, alongside notes of mocha, chocolate and smoke. The structure is firm and balanced, with fine fruit concentration. The finish lingers with persistent aromas of black licorice, chocolate and toasted wood, lifted by a refreshing herbal touch.

Food and wine pairings

This wine pairs perfectly with grilled red meats, a herb-roasted rack of lamb, game, or dishes featuring wild mushrooms. It also pairs elegantly with aged cheeses such as Gruyère or aged Cheddar.

Serving and cellaring

This wine can be enjoyed now and will continue to evolve favorably until around 2040. It is best served at a temperature of 16-18°C.

A powerful and elegant Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

The estate

Cardinale is a prestigious estate owned by Jackson Family Wines, specializing in crafting exceptional small-production Cabernet Sauvignon. The House notably owns the Veeder Park vineyard on Mount Veeder and the Keyes vineyard on Howell Mountain. Since its creation in 1982, Cardinale’s philosophy has been built on a rigorous selection of fruit from multiple high-elevation plots across Napa Valley, making it possible to create wines of great textural complexity.

The vineyard

This vintage comes from a blend of 12 vineyards located in different winegrowing areas of Napa Valley. The grapes come primarily from Mount Veeder, which provides structure and concentration, complemented by contributions from Spring Mountain District, Howell Mountain and Diamond Mountain. These hillside vineyards benefit from gravelly soils and prime exposures. The Veeder Park vineyard, planted on gravelly loam soils at around 550 meters above sea level, contributes significantly to the final blend.

The vintage

The 2015 vintage in Napa Valley was marked by exceptional growing conditions. After a mild winter, the year saw many contrasts, with a cool spring followed by sustained warmth from mid-May to mid-August. Sunshine and dry spells encouraged optimal grape concentration. Late-August rains allowed for ideal ripening, producing berries of remarkable generosity and balance.

Winemaking and aging

This California wine was aged for 20 months in French oak barrels, with 84% new barrels. This extended maturation allows for harmonious integration of components and the development of silky tannins.

Grape varieties

Cabernet Sauvignon (91%)
Merlot (9%)