Cardinale Estate
Cardinale Estate is just north of the Yountville Mounts in the Oakville AVA. Christopher Carpenter has been the head winemaker since 2001. He produces outstanding red blends using grapes from Oakville, Mount Veeder, and Howell Mountain.
| Region: | Napa Valley |
|---|---|
| Sub Region: | Oakville |
| Wine: | View all wines |
Cardinale Estate’s tasting room is on a small hill that provides dramatic views of the Napa Valley. The winery uses organic farming methods and practices careful canopy management their two vineyards.
Keyes Vineyard is planted with 22 acres of Cab, 31 acres of Merlot, 8 acres of Chardonnay, and 7 acres of Sauvignon Blanc. It is located in the Howell Mountain AVA at elevations between 1,400 and 1,600 feet above sea level. Cab is planted in the decomposed granite soils at the higher elevations and Merlot, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc are planted in the slightly lower volcanic ash loam.
The 63 acre Veeder Peak Vineyard is planted on eastern facing slopes at about 1,000 feet above sea level in the Mount Veeder AVA. 51 acres are dedicated to Cab and 12 to Chardonnay. Soils are made of gravelly loam and have less volcanic influence than the Howell Mountain property.
Christopher Carpenter joined the winery in 1998 and was named head winemaker in 2001. Mr. Carpenter is exceptionally skilled at producing mountain wines. He also makes wine at Lokoya in the Diamond Mountain AVA.
The Cardinale 2001 Red Meritage is an exceptional wine that was aged in French oak barrels. The combination of Mr. Caprpenter’s skill and the great 2001 vintage has created a rare wine that possesses both balance and strength.
diamondgirl said:
I tried their Cab at a fundraising dinner not long ago and loved it. Amazing structure and balance.
Posted 639 days ago.