The Storied History of Jackson Family Wines
If there’s one thing that makes life a little more delicious, it’s a glass of fine wine. And when we’re talking about elegance in a bottle, the Jackson family knows how to pour it just right. Let’s take a little stroll through their story, shall we?
Founded in 1982 by the visionary Jess Jackson, this family-owned wine empire has never been about cutting corners. From the very beginning, the Jackson family committed to producing world-class wines with character, depth and a little something extra—what the French call je ne sais quoi. Today, led by Barbara Banke, Jess’s wife, and their family, Jackson Family Wines continues to reign as a global icon, with vineyards stretching from California to France, Italy, and beyond.
Behind every masterpiece is an artist, and for the Jackson family’s luxury wines, that man is Chris Carpenter. The winemaker behind legendary labels like Lokoya and Cardinale, Carpenter is a master of coaxing magic out of mountain-grown Cabernet Sauvignon. He crafts wines with depth, elegance and just the right amount of drama—kind of like a good love affair.
Speaking of love affairs, the Cardinale Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 is a limited-production stunner. This vintage is like a couture gown—crafted to perfection, with a sultry blend of power and grace. Made from Napa Valley’s most esteemed mountain vineyards, it’s dark, velvety and utterly irresistible.
Carpenter himself offers a deeply personal perspective on the vintage. “I have been thinking about family a lot lately. My daughters are out of the house now and forging their own lives. Their heritage stems from a mélange of sources and my future grandchildren will have even more of a blend. That diversity and the unique stories—some known, forgotten or intangible—that make up our genetic, cultural and migratory history is something I find fascinating and take pride in to a great degree.
Cardinale is much like that. Primarily based on a blend of different appellations, it is also a compendium of stories. The 2021 vintage holds many stories and also has its own narrative. Its bright fruit is driven by a core of blueberry, cassis, dark chocolate-covered espresso beans, Asian spice and graphite. It comes together as a great example of a terrific growing season.”
What’s wine without a little adventure? If you find yourself in Napa Valley, be sure to stop by the Cardinale Estate, open Thursday through Monday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. With an extensive renovation and the grand reopening set for April, a personal tasting experience awaits, and believe me, it’s as refined as a diamond necklace at a black-tie affair.
Cheers to glamour, good company and an exquisite glass of wine!
Jacksonfamilywines.com
Cardinale.com
