Fleur Cardinale 2021 (750ML)

94 VM / 94 DE / 93-94 JS / 91-93 JD / 90-92+ WA 

The 2021 Fleur Cardinale rushes from the glass with a nose of dark cherry, plum, chocolate, mocha, licorice, new leather and black tea. Plump and juicy, with tons of forward appeal, the 2021 has been quite showy in two tastings. It's a gorgeous, impeccably balanced wine from this Saint-Émilion property. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

Intensely perfumed on the nose, so expressive and aromatic with dark chocolate and blackcurrant liqueur aspects. Juicy, fresh, playful, lifted and upfront - this has a lot going on. It's lightly framed with a lifted nature on the palate, the flavours all vertical and expansive but not heavy. It's a delicate style in terms of structure but the flavours are persistent and really fill the mouth with a brightness as well as minty, chocolate, liquorice fresh tannins. I love this one - a real success of the vintage. Usually 70-75% Merlot, so this is a new Fleur Cardinale, the' kind of blend we'd like to have in the future' says Ludovic and Caroline Decoster, with increased plantings of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon taking place at the estate. Consultants Jean Philippe Fort - Michel Rolland Laboratoire. First year of conversion to organic, 2021 saw a loss of 50% production - 20% to frost and 30% to mildew. A fine effort. - Georgina Hindle, Decanter

A refined and linear wine with blackberry and blueberry aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and a racy finish. Classy. - James Suckling

The 2021 Château Fleur Cardinale is terrific, and certainly an outstanding wine. Lots of ripe darker cherry and almost blue fruits give way to a medium-bodied, concentrated, balanced, textured 2021 that has a great mid-palate and ripe tannins. It offers tons of pleasure and will drink well right out of the gate. The blend is 75% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, aging in 90% new barrels, it was harvested between the 1st and 12th of October, and it hit 13.5% natural alcohol. Tasted numerous times. - Jeb Dunnuck

The 2021 Fleur Cardinale exhibits aromas of sweet cherries and blackberries mingled with vanilla pod and spices. Medium to full-bodied, bright and unusually elegant, it's seamless and polished, with good depth at the core and a mouthwatering finish. I suspect it will continue to flesh out with further élevage. - William Kelley, Wine Advocate