Cardinale 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon - 97pts

AG/97 - The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon is simply stunning. A real head-turner, the 2013 possesses superb density and tons of pure power. The flavors are deep, powerful and explosive. Mocha, new leather, and licorice wrap around a core of dark, sumptuous fruit. This dense, powerful Cabernet Sauvignon will require considerable patience, but it is super-impressive. And then some. Chris Carpenter crafted the 2013 from an assortment of parcels, most of them mountain sites on Diamond Mountain, Mt. Veeder and Howell Mountain. This is a real stand out. - - Antonio Galloni

RP/96 - A brilliant wine from winemaker Chris Carpenter and the Kendall-Jackson family this blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Merlot mostly coming from mountain vineyards owned by the Jackson family is fabulous. The 2013 Cardinale Proprietary Red Wine is dense purple-colored a big sweet kiss of crème de cassis as well as licorice blackberry and espresso are all present in this full-bodied rather sublime and intense Cabernet Sauvignon that should drink well for 25 or more years. This was aged in about 91% new French oak for 18-20 months prior to bottling. It is certainly one of the finest Cardinales I have tasted in my experience.