Cardinale Cabernet Sauvignon 2003

"A more challenging vintage means a more challenging blend period, as it was for this blend. After compiling at least 20 different blends, I kept coming back to this wine. The black currant, anise and minerality of Mount Veeder and Howell Mountain combine with the middle gravelly palate of Oakville and the sweet/soft character of Stags' Leap." - Christopher Carpenter, Cardinale Winemaker

96 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Winemaker Chris Carpenter produced 760 cases of this blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Merlot from four sources, a vineyard on Howell Mountain called Keyes, Veeder Peak, To-Kalon and Stags Leap. One of the Jackson family’s top Bordeaux-styled efforts year in and year out, the superb 2003 Cardinale is performing even better than I remember, having put on weight and filled out. It exhibits a deep ruby/purple color along with sweet kirsch, black currant, Christmas fruitcake, cedarwood and forest floor notes. Deep, full-bodied and voluptuously textured with sweet tannins still in evidence...