Fleur Cardinale Hard Rock Edition 2018 (1.5L)

94+ WA / 94 JS / 94 JD / 94 DE / 94 VM / 94 WCI / 93 WS / 93 WE / 92 FS / 17 JR

#77 Jeb Dunnuck Top 100 2021

Only 1,000 magnums have been packaged with this unique, hand-numbered label, packed in especially screen-printed single wooden cases.

Caroline and Ludovic Decoster imagined a series of collector’s editions which each year will display a new take on the Château Fleur Cardinale label reflecting different contrasting themes, while preserving the identity codes of the original label.

This first edition, which was launched with the Château Fleur Cardinale 2018 vintage, powers us into the high-energy world of hard-rock. Fans of hard-rock music will be amused to find the graphics specific to this world, skilfully integrated into the original coat of arms. As for wine lovers, they’ll be able to connect the energy given off in the flamboyant graphics of the label with the powerful, fresh and intense flavours of the vintage.

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Fleur Cardinale—composed of 74% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon—leaps from the glass with vibrant notes of wild blueberries, crushed blackberries and ripe, juicy plums, plus hints of sandalwood, unsmoked cigars, menthol and licorice. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is chock-full of ripe black and blue fruits, framed by velvety tannins and beautiful freshness, finishing long with lots of mineral and exotic spice layers. A very stylish Saint-Émilion! - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate

Blackcurrant, clove, walnut-husk, tobacco and pine-cone aromas. Dried flowers and mocha, too. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, tight-grained tannins. Polished layers of dark fruit and wood notes with a long, chewy finish. Focused. Very fine. Try from 2025. - James Suckling

The Grand Vin 2018 Château Fleur Cardinale checks in as a mix of 74% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon brought up in new French oak. It has integrated its oak elevage beautifully and while it has a kiss of modern character and polish, it still has loads of classic Saint-Emilion character, as well as minerality. Deep ruby/plum hued with a gorgeous bouquet of black cherries, white truffles, camphor, lead pencil, and exotic spices, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a beautifully balanced, layered texture, building, firm tannins, and a great finish. It's certainly in the same class as the 2015 and 2016, but the cellar is going to be your friend. Hide bottles for at least 4-6 years and it should cruise for 20 years or more. - Jeb Dunnuck

An estate that is just doing such good work right now. This was delicious en primeur and for me a little better in bottle. Has that slow slate-textured finish that makes things inch along slowly, giving time to appreciate the rich berry fruits and floral edge to the aromatics. An interesting initiative in the packaging also, with a wooden cask that has instructions for being turned into a bird box afterwards, encouraging recycling. A yield of 45l/ha. 100% new oak. - Jane Anson, Decanter

The 2018 Fleur Cardinale is bright and focused, yet has all of the raciness the estate's fans have come to expect. Inky red fruit, blood orange, spice, mint and rose petal develop with a bit of coaxing. Today the 2018 is a bit tightly wound, but that should serve it just fine as it ages in bottle. Pretty Cabernet Franc accents linger on the persistent finish. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media 

Ripe and focused, with tasty red and black currant fruit flavors that have a racy edge, mixed with hints of anise, bramble and steeped dark tea developing through the finish. Very solid. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2022 through 2034. 10,000 cases made, 2,500 cases imported. - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator

The Decoster family, formerly producers of porcelain in Limoges, have given this estate considerable luster. This latest release shows a solid character, powered by dark tannins, hints of licorice and rich fruit. Cabernet Franc aromas shine through the jammy Merlot. Drink from 2025. - Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast 

Strong crimson garnet, violet reflections, broader ocher edge brightening. Delicate herbal and spicy blackberry confit, fresh heart cherries, orange zest, tobacco nuances. Medium-bodied, elegant, cherry-like, fine extract sweetness, round tannins, mineral-salty finish, has developed well, a versatile food accompaniment. (2020–2040)-Peter Moser, Falstaff

Dark, intense nose – blackcurrants in black velvet. Blackberries and box leaf and some charred chocolate undertones. Dry, polished, disciplined tannins. Every flavour component is carried by and testament to balance of fruit concentration, tannic structure and freshness. Has a dark gleam and focus.-Tamlyn Curran, Jancis Robinson