The Farm Cardinal Old Bailey Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles 2018 750ml

The Farm Cardinal Old Bailey Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles 2018 750ml

Discover the essence of Paso Robles terroir with The Farm's exceptional 2018 Cardinal Cabernet Sauvignon, meticulously crafted from the acclaimed Old Bailey Vineyard. This limited-production treasure represents the pinnacle of The Farm Winery's commitment to creating wines that honor their unique growing sites.

The Cardinal begins its journey in the sun-drenched slopes of Old Bailey Vineyard, where limestone-rich soils impart a distinctive minerality unique to this corner of Paso Robles' Adelaida District. The 2018 vintage benefited from a near-perfect growing season, with a slightly cooler summer allowing for extended hang time and exceptional phenolic development in the grapes. This patience in the vineyard translates directly to your glass—revealing a Cabernet with remarkable depth and nuanced complexity that unfolds with each sip.

In the cellar, winemakers Jim Madsen and Santiago Achaval employ traditional small-batch fermentation techniques, with each vineyard block vinified separately in open-top fermenters. This meticulous approach allows for gentle extraction of color and tannin, yielding a wine of profound structure without harsh astringency. You'll notice this immediately in the silky, approachable texture that still promises impressive aging potential.

Perhaps most distinctive is The Farm's commitment to extended barrel aging—the 2018 Cardinal matured for 22 months in French oak barrels (60% new), allowing the wine to develop remarkable integration while preserving the pure expression of fruit. This extended aging creates a drinking experience that balances immediate gratification with sophisticated complexity—a rare achievement that distinguishes The Cardinal from more commercially produced Cabernets.

In the glass, this wine showcases a deep garnet hue with purple reflections. Aromas of black cherry, cassis, and wild blackberry mingle with subtle notes of cedar, graphite, and dried herbs. The first sip reveals a perfect harmony between fruit intensity and savory complexity—ripe black fruits give way to hints of espresso, dark chocolate, and that signature Old Bailey minerality. The finish is impressively long, with fine-grained tannins providing elegant structure.

While many Paso Robles Cabernets lean heavily toward ripeness and power, The Farm's Cardinal embraces restraint and balance. The team's minimal intervention philosophy allows the unique characteristics of Old Bailey Vineyard to shine through, creating a wine that speaks eloquently of place rather than manipulation.

This Cabernet pairs beautifully with prime rib, lamb chops with rosemary, or wild mushroom risotto. For a truly memorable experience, decant 30-45 minutes before serving to allow the full spectrum of aromas and flavors to emerge.

With only 420 cases produced, The Farm's 2018 Cardinal represents a rare opportunity to experience the artistry of one of Paso Robles' most respected small-production wineries. Add this distinguished bottle to your collection today and discover why The Farm has earned a devoted following among those who appreciate wines of authenticity, character, and place.