Castle Fleur Cardinale - Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2014

Grand Guide / Bettane et Desseauve

17 / 20

the9/12/2016

Sur ce millésime, il y'a un véritable équilibre entre l'énérgie et le velouté, avec une aromatique qui se met bien en place et une finale montante.

Vinous

91-94 / 100

byAntonio Gallonithe5/11/2015

The 2014 Fleur Cardinale was superb all three times I tasted it. Readers should expect a bold, modern-styled St.-Emilion built on opulence and richness. Black cherries, smoke, tobacco and new leather are all nicely delineated throughout. The late, October harvest and 100% new oak also contribute to the wine's super-ripe, voluptuous personality. The blend is 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon that saw a 5 day cold soak followed by 30-35 days on the skins.

The Wine Cellar Insider

92-94 / 100

byJeff Levethe5/5/2015

Flowers, espresso, plum, truffle, chocolate notes, this wine is supple, round, ripe, sensuous, pure, clean and fresh. A very elegant, vintage for Fleur Cardinale, this wine is produced from a blend of 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Reaching 14% alcohol, the wine is aging in 100% new, French oak barrels. 92-94 Pts

Wine Advocate

89-91 / 100

byNeal Martinthe4/30/2015

The Château Fleur Cardinale 2014 is rich and decadent on the lavish nose (as it always is). One sample tasted at the Cercle de Rive Droite was more refined and focused than another sample tasted a day later in Saint Emilion. The palate is full-bodied and mirroring the aromatics, rich and extravagant on the palate. The acidity is well judged and there plenty of weight and presence towards the finish that I would suggest has more tension and precision the recent vintages. It’s an unashamedly modern style of Saint Emilion, but it feels as if it is reading from its own script instead of that of the terroir or the growing season. I prefer the La Croix Cardinale that demonstrates more articulation of its origin.

Decanter.com

15,5 / 20

byJames Lawther MWthe4/17/2015

Over the top. Deep and dense on the nose with mocha, dark fruit and liquorice notes. Palate thick and dense. Powerful but rather heavy extraction. Drying finish. Drink: 2020-2030 (85)

Jancis Robinson

16,5 / 20

the4/13/2015

75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. 
Dark purplish crimson with black core. Very ripe and perfumed dark fruit – there's cherry and vanilla and even a slight floral note. Flattering first impression. Then has lovely deep but supple tannins on the palate, very primary and full of energy yet finishes with dry elegance. (JH) 

Jamessuckling.com

90-91 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe4/10/2015

A red with chocolate, berry and spice character. Medium body, fine tannins and a fresh finish. Stylish.

René Gabriel

17 / 20

byRené Gabrielthe4/1/2015

Extrem dunkles Purpur mit lila und violetten Reflexen. Sehr schwarzbeeriges Bouquet, Black Currant und Szechuanpfefferkörner. Im Gaumen dicht, fleischig, vielleicht etwas streng, aber mit guten Anlagen. Er muss aber seine Vinifikation mit dem Ausbau noch verdauen. Wenigstens ist er nicht mehr so kompottig wie die letzten Jahre. 17/20 2023 – 2036

Wine Spectator

90-93 / 100

byJames Molesworththe3/31/2015

A light ganache edge leads the way, followed by flattering, lightly mulled cherry, plum and blackberry fruit. Offers a toasty finish, but there's enough flesh, grip and
focus to pull this along.

Jancis Robinson

16,5 / 20

byJulia Harding MW

Dark purplish crimson with black core. Very ripe and perfumed dark fruit - there's cherry and vanilla and even a slight floral note. Flattering first impression. Then lovely deep but supple tannins on the palate, very primary and full of energy yet finishes with dry elegance. Drink 2018 - 2026.

Bettane & Desseauve

92 / 100

Beaucoup  de caractère, avec n volume épicé, serré, nerveux, mais terminant avec un velouté savoureux. 

GaultMillau

15,5-16,5 / 100

Fraicheur, gourmandise, belle trame de violette au nez pour une bouche suave, dune belle matière, fraiche avec des tanins structurants et une finale aérienne et dense avec une belle amertume.