2016 Cardinale Red

89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot. The 2016 vintage began with a prolific spring that brought an ample amount of rain that 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 that 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 and promising crop. Deep ruby in the glass. Ripe cassis on the nose. Heady but pure, with a hint of sweet spice. The palate has sweet cherries and good density, with chewy tannins building the structure and tempering the glossy fruit. Plenty of acid and tannic bite on the finish, which is a little drying at this stage but should mellow in time. (TP)

This shows lots of dark fruit, sage, blueberries, ink and blackberries. Medium to full body with ultra-fine tannins and intensity and beauty. Linear and polished. Needs two to four years to soften. Better from 2022.

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.