Fleur Cardinale - Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2023

Vinous

89

byNeal Martinthe2/1/2026

The 2023 Fleur Cardinale feels a bit compact on the nose, does not quite have the exuberance that I have found in other recent vintages. The palate is medium-bodied with rounded tannins, lower acidity than I would like and, as such, it does not quite deliver the tension and brightness it needs on the finish. Not bad, but could be better.

Jamessuckling.com

95

byJames Sucklingthe1/27/2026

Good depth on the nose, with ripe dark cherries, currants, berries and touches of dark chocolate and fine spices. Fine, precise tannins surround the palate, with a medium to full body and a polished, lasting finish. Quite velvety. Already delicious, but can hold well for the next decade. Drink or hold.

My Bettane + Desseauve

93-94

by Bettane & Desseauvethe5/15/2024

Il séduit par le soyeux de sa texture, l’intensité de sa sève et son onctuosité. Le tannin profond est de mieux en mieux affiné. Finale de belle droiture.

Yvesbeck.wine

93-94

byYves Beckthe5/14/2024

Das Bouquet von Fleur Cardinale 2023 ist von guter Intensität und zeichnet sich durch Holundernoten, Pfingstrosennuancen und einen kreidigen Hauch aus. Die Reifung wirkt subtil im Hintergrund. Der Wein ist köstlich im Auftakt, wird von schmackhaften Tanninen und einer prägnanten Struktur gestützt, die für Balance im gesamten Gaumen sorgt. Ein Wein, der sich nicht nur in einem komplizierten Kontext Anerkennung verdient, sondern auch auf seinem Weg zu noch mehr Treffsicherheit und Authentizität!

Jeb DUNNUCK

92-94

byJeb Dunnuckthe5/13/2024

The Grand Vin 2023 Château Fleur Cardinale checks in as 56% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon that hit 14.5% alcohol and 3.6 pH, raised in 45% new French oak, with 15% in demi-muids, 10% in wooden vats, and 10% in amphora. It has a gorgeous, incredible limestone-driven bouquet of black raspberries, chalky minerality, flowers, and spicy nuances. This medium-bodied, concentrated, beautifully balanced Saint-Emilion has remarkable purity, fine, chalky tannins, the juicy, elegant style of the vintage, and outstanding length. It's a more focused, mineral-driven effort compared to its Croix Cardinale sibling.

The Drinks Business

91-93

byColin Haythe5/7/2024

Fleur Cardinale (Saint Émilion; 56% Merlot; 37% Cabernet Franc; 7% Cabernet Sauvignon; from a lovely vintage on a rather special terroir of 27.6 ha; a final yield of just 15 hl/ha; tasted at La Dominique and then at the property with Caroline Decoster; Ludivine Chagnon is the new technical director, having joined the team from Laroque in September 2023). Note the very low yields – mildew I presume. A touch of cordite, struck match, myrrh and exotic spices, black cherries and plump crunchy bright and fresh blackcurrants and blueberries. Cassis, too, with a little aeration and we find this again on the palate. Deep but not especially concentrated, despite the relatively narrow frame. The calcaire tannins hold this tight to the spine. Nicely structured but this lacks a little density. Luminous and very precise, however. 

The Wine Cellar Insider

92-94

byJeff Levethe5/6/2024

Chocolate covered black cherries, licorice, plums, and espresso nuances are all over the place on the nose, and on the lush, polished, round palate. The blend is 60% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. All that extra Cabernet really makes a difference adding more freshness, complexity, and individuality. Drink from 2027-2040. 92-94 Pts.

Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux

93

byJane Ansonthe5/6/2024

Vibrant plum colour, this is silky with sweet damson fruit, showing a real sense of personality and lift, beautifully measured progression through the palate, this has cocoa bean, liqourice, black tea, pomegranate, a ton of energy and concentration, well judged grilled oak. 3.6ph. 45% new oak, plus amhoras, foudfres, demui muids,15hl/h yield, so extremely low, making the skilful assembly of the wine even more impressive. Decoster family.

Vinous

92-95

byAntonio Gallonithe4/30/2024

The 2023 Fleur Cardinale is gorgeous. Vivid, heady and explosive, the 2023 has a ton to offer. I especially admire its energy and overall drive. Black cherry, mocha, gravel, spice, chocolate and menthol all blossom in this explosive, full-throttle Saint-Émilion. Tasted two times.

Vinous

89-91

byNeal Martinthe4/29/2024

The 2023 Fleur Cardinale has a high-toned bouquet that is quite feisty and needs to muster more restraint, not unlike the Croix Cardinale that exhibits more panache at this stage. The palate is medium-bodied with sapid red fruit and fine structure—not as complex or as refined as the Croix Cardinale, but it displays decent length.

Falstaff

94

byPeter Moserthe4/29/2024

Deep dark ruby, opaque core, purple reflections. Ripe cherries, hints of liquorice, ripe plums, a hint of candied orange zest, inviting bouquet. Juicy, ripe fruit, elegant texture, ripe tannins, subtle nougat, mineral and persistent, salty finish, good ageing potential.

Alexandre Ma

93-94

byAlexandre Mathe4/28/2024

Jamessuckling.com

94-95

byJames Sucklingthe4/25/2024

Excellent depth of fruit, with tension, focus and precision. Medium to full body. Dense center-palate and a creamy-textured finish. Ripe, fine tannins.

Vertdevin

95-96

byJonathan Chicheportichethe4/24/2024