Cardinale was born in 1982, with a mission to produce a singular Cabernet Sauvignon from the highest-quality vineyards in Napa Valley. All sub-appellations of the region were to be considered, and grape sources could change from year to year, to create the most distinctive wine from each vintage.

The core of Cardinale is estate vineyards located in two prime sub-appellations, Mount Veeder and Howell Mountain. The supporting components come from mountain and benchland plantings in Spring Mountain, Diamond Mountain, St. Helena and Stags Leap. Mountain-grown fruit is elemental to Cardinale, as vines struggle in the thin, rocky soils and on steep slopes, thus producing grapes with intense flavor, layered complexity and age-worthy tannins. At lower elevations, the fruit has a more vivid floral character, rich mid-palate and finer tannins. Blending brings it all together into a singular wine.