Cardinale Red Wine 750ML
Cardinale as you would enjoy the varied nuances and subtle layers of a Fellini film, so you should enjoy Cardinale. The 2008 has an aromatic element that evokes violets and orange blossoms with a fruit component of dark cherry combined with a palate that offers currant, ripe blackberry, and toast with a velvety texture on a long, drawn finish.
Wine Enthusiast
Another fabulous Cardinale, better than the 2007 but short of the perfect 2006. This is so complete; it tastes like Cabernet on a cloud, light but ethereal, with ripe, polished blackberry and cherry flavors and touches of mocha, spice and cedar. The tannins are a wonder-soft and pliant-yet gorgeously complex. Drink now-2016, at least.
Score: 97. —Steve Heimoff, August 01, 2012.
Wine Advocate
Over 1,000 cases of the 2008 Cardinale were made from a blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 9% Merlot. Interestingly, the To-Kalon portion is the only fruit source located on the valley floor, which is not surprising given Jess Jackson’s propensity to buy, plant and source fruit from high elevation hillside and mountain sites. The 2008 exhibits a dense purple color along with sweet kirsch, unsmoked cigar tobacco, toasty oak and black currant characteristics. The wine hits the palate with a resounding opulence, full-bodied richness, moderate, sweet, well-integrated tannins and a long, heady finish. There is a floral component in the 2008 that was not noticeable in the 2007. This beautiful, full-bodied wine was aged 21 months in 100% new French oak. Slightly more evolved than the 2007, the 2008 should last for 20-25+ years.
Score: 96. —Robert Parker, December 2010.
Wine Spectator
Strikingly graceful, refined, dense and polished, this presents a tight-knit core of dark berry, black licorice, crushed rock and floral-violet scents, keeping its focus and ending with an amazing finish. Best from 2013 through 2028.
Score: 95. —James Laube, November 15, 2012.