The Drinks Business
par Colin Hay le 15/05/2025
(St Emilion; 72% Merlot; 21% Cabernet Franc; 7% Cabernet Sauvignon; from the 26.5 hectares of the northern-facing slopes of the Fleur Cardinale estate and made by the same team; a final yield of 42 hl/ha; 13.5% alcohol). A fascinating contrast to Croix Cardinale, these really do need to be tasted side-by-side (as I had the opportunity to do). They’re cut from the same cloth, but somehow woven differently. This is floral too, but a little more demonstratively – it’s more the florality of the rose petal, though there are touches of violet here too. There’s a lot more graphite and cedar too and one has the impression of more oak (brilliantly incorporated). This is richer and fuller, a little more ample and even more gracious in a way. I love them both and it’s difficult to choose between them; this probably has a little more aging potential.