Napa Valley

Full

Cork

Caldan was born out of conversations winemaker Chris Carpenter had with the hospitality team at Cardinale. While Cardinale is known for its multi-appellation Cabernet Sauvignon blend, Carpenter began thinking about the Cabernet Franc they have planted across all four of Napa’s mountain AVAs—and wondered if he could craft a similar expression, but with Cabernet Franc as the focus. He saw the growing momentum behind his mountain Cabernet Francs under the Mt. Brave and La Jota labels, but with Caldan, he set out to create something more elegant. He envisioned the red fruit and floral lift of Spring Mountain, the minerality of Diamond Mountain, and complementary blending components from Howell Mountain and Mount Veeder. The result is his homage to Cheval Blanc. The 2022 vintage is composed of 81% Cabernet Franc and 19% Merlot, aged for 22 months in 63% new French oak. The Merlot comes entirely from Spring Mountain, providing a soft, red-fruited backbone, while the Cabernet Franc from across the mountains adds aromatic lift and structural intrigue. In the glass, the wine presents pure black cherry and blackberry fruit, with subtle notes of rhubarb and cola spice, and builds into lavish sagebrush notes. A salty, crushed-stone minerality carries through, supported by fine, powdery tannins, blood orange acidity, and hints of cedarwood spice. It’s graceful, vibrant, and full of energy—approachable now, yet structured to age.

Cabernet Franc

Merlot

Caladan, Cabernet Franc, Napa Valley, California, USA, 2022

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Caldan was born out of conversations winemaker Chris Carpenter had with the hospitality team at Cardinale. While Cardinale is kn

Caladan, Cabernet Franc, Napa Valley, California, USA 2022

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