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At Cardinale they christened this the vintage of “Alice's Rabbit”, in that everything was very late. Their rainy season slowed down enough in March to initiate bud push but was followed by the return of the rains not long after, which delayed bloom and fruit set. Already looking at a later harvest because of this phenomenon they enjoyed several months of mild temperatures and slow, steady flavor accumulation, without many of the heat spikes they have become accustomed to in Napa Valley. Thus as fall started to make its appearance with even cooler temperatures and shorter days their concerns increased because they hadn't yet reached their full flavor potential. Thankfully they were blessed with an Indian summer at just the right moment that helped drive these flavors to the Cardinale standard of quality. Their last fruit came in on November 4, 2005, extremely late, but well worth the wait. "This 1,000-case cuvee from three separate Napa vineyards – the Veeder Peak Vineyard high up on Mt. Veeder, the Keyes Vineyard on Howell Mountain, and the Stags Leap Vineyard on the valley floor – is a blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Merlot. Deep ruby/purple to the rim, with notes of graphite, black cherry and black currant liqueur, licorice, and spice box, the wine has silky tannins, full body, a gorgeously layered, rich mouthfeel, and a long finish with moderately high tannins and refreshing acidity. It’s a big wine for sure, but it has uncanny elegance, purity, and length." - Rated 95, Robert Parker |
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