Chris Carpenter has done a fabulous job with the 2010 Cardinale. The wine boasts a huge center of fruit backed up by equally firm, imposing tannins. Layers of dark red fruit, mocha, cinnamon and new leather explode from the glass. The 2010 is a huge Cardinale endowed with superb depth, power and richness. At the same time, there is a mid-palate generosity and pliancy that leads me to believe the 2010 will drink beautifully once the tannins soften a touch. Hints of tar, graphite and iron add personality on the full-bodied, intense finish. The 2010 is 86% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Merlot, predominantly from mountain sites. The ability to blend fruit from various top-notch sites works great here. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2030. 96 points from Robert Parker, The Wine AdvocateThe 2010 Cardinale reflects a vintage that challenged us and highlighted our dedication to producinga wine that defines the very best of Napa Valley in a way that impacts your palate like Coltranes A Love Supreme. The score is at once a classic of musical creation and a masterpiece with all of the subtly, grace and precision of a Mozart symphony, but with the charisma of complex Jazz. Following suit, the 2010 Cardinale is an intriguing combination of dark fruits and spices, opening with scents of ripe boysenberry and dark cherry that meld on the palate with holiday spices and Sumatra coffee bean flavors. The 2010 Cardinale has a lush, mid-body texture and a lingering finish. - Christopher Carpenter, WinemakerW INE S TATISTICSAppellation: 100% Napa ValleyComposition: 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% MerlotBarrel Aging: 20 months in 98% new French oakFinishing: Egg White Fined and Bottled Unfiltered
