CardinaleProducer from California, United States

Each year, Cardinale Winery crafts an exclusive Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend, focusing its efforts on producing a singular, superlative wine from that particular vintage. The production of this wine is limited, ensuring meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to exclusivity and excellence. Originating from carefully chosen parcels of low-yielding vineyards, the grapes convey both the richness and the scarcity of the harvest.

Employing age-old winemaking techniques, Cardinale utilizes traditional basket presses to extract the juice from the grapes gently, emphasizing a deliberate and time-honoured approach that respects the integrity of the fruit. Following pressing, the nascent wine finds its home in new, premium French oak barrels with a tight grain reminiscent of those used by French Chateaus. Here, the wine matures luxuriously, acquiring depth, nuance, and a characteristically opulent quality from the extensive ageing process within these fine oak vessels.

Winemaker Chris Carpenter at the helm:

The name Chris Carpenter might sound familiar to some Napa lovers as he is not only the winemaker at Cardinale but also at Lokoya, La Jota Vineyard and Mt. Brave. His dedication to expressing the nuanced character of Napa Valley's mountain terroirs has solidified his status as a visionary in the art and science of winemaking. Numerous of Carpenter's wines have achieved high acclaim from the wine critics and numerous wines have received the coveted 100-point rating from the likes of the Wine Advocate and Jeb Dunnuck.

The Lokoya link and Cardinale's unique approach:

As the accomplished winemaker at the helm of Lokoya, Christopher Carpenter skillfully curates a remarkable collection of Cabernet Sauvignons, each sourced from a distinct vineyard location perched upon the storied hills of Napa Valley. From the stony terraces of Diamond Mountain to the lush slopes of Howell Mountain, the rugged landscapes of Mount Veeder, and the serene elevations of Spring Mountain, Carpenter's expertise captures the essence of these diverse high-altitude terroirs. At Lokoya, the vintages are celebrated as individual expressions, akin to a solo artist performing a piece that highlights their unique talent and style.

Moving to Carpenter's work at Cardinale, the symphonic nature of winemaking comes to the forefront. Here, the fruits of the four distinguished mountain sites are harmoniously blended, creating a composition that brilliantly showcases the collective splendour of Napa Valley. This meticulous blending is like an ensemble of skilled musicians, each contributing their voice to a grand symphony that resonates with added depth, dimension, and intricacy. The art of balance and complexity in Cardinale's wine is a testament to an orchestra of elements working in concert—the result is a seamless integration of Napa's finest mountain fruit, masterfully directed by Carpenter's visionary winemaking.