Chateau Fleur Cardinale - Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

Vinous

93 / 100

byAntonio Gallonithe12/31/2015

The 2012 Fleur Cardinale is a beautiful example of modern Saint-Emilion. Silky tannins and soft contours wrap around a core of red cherry jam, wild flowers, mint, cinnamon and white pepper. Dramatic and expansive on the palate, the 2012 shows remarkable nuance for such an intense wine. All the elements fall into place effortlessly.

Wine Advocate

93 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/2015

The flagship wine from the Decoster family, this blend of 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon has been a hugely successful wine since they acquired this 58-acre estate and revolutionized the level of quality. This is consistently one of the best St.-Emilions and over-achieving for its classification. The 2012 has pure, striking aromatics of blueberry, black raspberry, minerals and flowers. Medium to full-bodied, ripe and multi-dimensional, with a beautiful texture, this is stunning wine that completely dominates its classification and over-delivers in terms of quality and potential longevity. It should drink well for 15 or more years. Yields were a modest 34 hectoliters per hectare from an unusually late harvest – October 22 to November 2.

Wine Spectator

91 / 100

byJames Molesworththe3/31/2015

A lovely core of plum and blackberry fruit is augmented with ganache, dried anise and roasted alder notes. The toasty frame keeps this a bit squared off for now, but there's a very solid core of velvety fruit here. Needs time. Best from 2018 through 2022. 8,583 cases made.

Jamessuckling.com

91 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe2/15/2015

A fine and firm wine with blueberry, chocolate and walnut character. Full body and chewy tannins that are polished and long. Very pretty. Better in 2017.

Wine Spectator

90-93 / 100

byJames Molesworththe4/30/2013

Features a core of dark anise, fruitcake, plum sauce and raspberry, with a fleshy texture that hangs through the finish. Has guts without the vintage’s chewy, taut feel. —J.M.

matthewjukes.com

17 / 20

byMatthew Jukesthe4/30/2013

Jean-Marc QUARIN

16 / 20

byJean-Marc Quarinthe4/29/2013

Ce cru qui est désormais un des plus tardifs à vendanger à Saint Emilion nous offre une belle couleur, un nez fruité, discret pas encore mis en place et une bouche ronde, juteuse, dense, finement crémeuse au toucher qui se développe puissante en seconde partie et finit savoureuse sur une bonne longueur.

The Wine Cellar Insider

92-94 / 100

byJeff Levethe4/26/2013

Truffle, earth, spice, blackberry, plum and cocoa scents open to a full bodied, sweet, round wine with character and ripeness. 92-94 Pts

Jancis Robinson

16 / 20

byJulia Harding MWthe4/26/2013

Drink 2017-2025
75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Black as the ace of spades. Blackcurrant cordiale incarnate. Sweet, pure and ripe. Then unexpectedly thick tannins on the palate. A bit tough on the finish but might come round. (JH)

Wine Advocate

92-95 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/26/2013

This full-bodied beauty exhibits a dense opaque purple color in addition to copious notes of creme de cassis, kirsch, licorice and incense. It should drink well for 15-20 years. This will be a sleeper of the vintage

A superstar of the vintage (not surprising given how successful the proprietors, the Decoster family, have been over the last decade or more), this 58-acre vineyard located near the village of St.-Etienne de Lisse enjoyed yields of 34 hectoliters per hectare. The harvest took place extremely late — between October 22 and November 3. The final blend of 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon came in at 13.5% natural alcohol. Every detail, both in the vineyard and the winery, is looked after by the meticulous owners. This will be a sleeper of the vintage as the Decosters have been among the most realistic proprietors in Bordeaux when it comes to pricing their wines.
Drink: 2033

My Bettane + Desseauve

16-16,5 / 20

the4/25/2013

Subtil et suave, beau fruit noir soyeux, intensité généreuse, allonge souple.

Jamessuckling.com

90-91 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe4/4/2013

Plenty of fruit and velvety tannins. Full body, juicy fruit, and a wonderful depth for the vintage.

Jean-Marc QUARIN

16,5 / 20

byJean-Marc Quarinthe4/2/2013

Ce cru qui est désormais un des plus tardifs à vendanger à Saint Emilion nous offre une belle couleur, un nez fruité, discret pas encore mis en place et une bouche ronde, juteuse, dense, finement crémeuse au toucher qui se développe puissante en seconde partie et finit savoureuse sur une bonne longueur.

La Revue du Vin de France

15-16 / 20

the4/2/2013

Ce secteur est le plus tardif des grands crus classés, vendangé du 15 octobre au 3 novembre, sous les pluies. Le vignoble, qui a demandé de nombreux soins (vendanges vertes, effeuillage…), est configuré dans ce sens et a résisté. Fruité, très gourmand, frais, floral, son nez est assez spectaculaire en primeur. La texture est tapissante, de bonne tenue. Dans le style tardif, une réussite.

Decanter Magazine

16,5 / 20

bySteven Spurrierthe4/2/2013

Maintains an established modern style. Rich and plush with loads of fruit extract but balanced. Slight warmth on the finish. Good length.

My Bettane + Desseauve

16,5 / 20

the4/2/2013

Subtil et suave, beau fruit noir soyeux, intensité généreuse, allonge souple.

The Wine Cellar Insider

92-94 / 100

byJeff Levethe4/2/2013

Truffle, earth, spice, blackberry, plum and cocoa scents open to a full bodied, sweet, round wine with character and ripeness.

Jancis Robinson

16 / 20

byJancis Robinsonthe4/2/2013

75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Black as the ace of spades. Blackcurrant cordiale incarnate. Sweet, pure and ripe. Then unexpectedly thick tannins on the palate. A bit tough on the finish but might come round. (JH)