1997 Cardinale Napa/Sonoma Counties Bordeaux Blend
SKU #991199
95 points
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The wine has an opaque bluish black/purple color, a knockout nose of black cherry liqueur intermixed with cassis, lead pencil, mineral, and smoky oak. The glorious richness in the mouth is backed up by a full-bodied, opulently-textured, super-extracted wine that is neither heavy nor ponderous. Stunning purity, a fabulous multi-layered impression, and a finish that goes on for nearly a minute make this the most exciting Cardinale to date. (RP)
(12/2000)
95 points
Wine Enthusiast
The lovely bouquet of blackberry jam, oak with mint, cedar, and black olives draws you in. Broad and rich on the palate, with ample but fine tannins. Great depth of dark-berry fruit, with coffee and cedar shadings. The explosive finish just keeps going as intriguing sweet-tart fruit and bitter chocolate notes please all the way out.
(12/2000)
94 points
Wine & Spirits
No tasting note given.
(12/2000)
93 points
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
Bright deep ruby. Aromatic nose of blackcurrant, blackberry, graphite, licorice, bitter chocolate and minerals. Big, sweet and generous; superb ripe acidity gives the dark berry flavors clarity and verve. Terrific intensity and depth of flavor without excess weight. Not a blockbuster but possesses the structure for longer-term aging. Very fine tannins spread out to coat the entire mouth. Very long and bright on the aftertaste. Classy cabernet sauvignon-based wine. (ST)
(5/2000)
93 points
Wine Spectator
Wonderfully proportioned, smooth and ripe, with rich black cherry, currant, wild berry and spice, offering depth and complexity, turning elegant and sophisticated. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. (JL)
(10/2000)
