In 2024, Château Fleur Cardinale and Château Croix Cardinale were brought together under the name La Maison Cardinale

Château Fleur Cardinale 2019 - Château Fleur Cardinale
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Château Fleur Cardinale 2019

Brightness & Enthusiasm

Un verre de Château Fleur Cardinale - © M. Johnson

IDENTITY

Blend :

  • 71% Merlot
  • 24% Cabernet Franc
  • 5% Cabernet Sauvignon

Alcoholic degree: 14,5°

La vigne - © C. Decoster, Château Fleur Cardinale

WEATHER CONDITIONS

The year 2019 has been a year of extremes. At the beginning of May we lost 1.5 hectares due to the frost. Then the following weeks were very dry and the temperatures very high.

Finally, the rainfall in July and August was satisfying and will allow the grapes to reach maturity at the end of September.

Le temps des vendanges - © J. Buchholtz

HARVEST

  • from 2 to 14 October 2019
  • Yields:  44hl/ha
  • Production: 105 000 bottles of first wine
Ludovic carafant une bouteille de Château Fleur Cardinale - © M. Johnson

TASTING SUGGESTIONS

  • Optimal tasting period: 2023 – 2043.
  • Today: to be kept in the cellar.
  • Serving temperature: 17-18°C.
Une bouteille de Fleur Cardinale 2015 - © C. Decoster, Château Fleur Cardinale

PERSONALITY CHARACTERISTICS

The 2019 vintage is synonymous of:

  • Brightness
  • Enthusiasm
  • Energy
  • Reactivity
Vin et musique - © C. Decoster, Château Fleur Cardinale

SOUNDTRACK

To enjoy while listening to the song By The Way – Red Hot Chili Peppers

Reviews for this vintage

ALEXANDRE MA

94
Château Fleur Cardinale 2019 shows me another image. Unlike the power and structure in the previous vintages, this vintage delivers a sense of purity and fruity precision in the concentrated flavors, which is a real gem for a wine aged 12 months in the new oak. The juicy entry and vivid acidity stretch out the body smoothly, offering a lively and enthusiastic personality to Fleur Cardinal’s authentic toasty notes. February 2022

ANTHOCYANES, YOHAN CASTAING

93-95
Bien que légèrement boisé, le nez recèle des notes de graphite, de réglisse, de fruits frais tendant vers la myrtille et la framboise. Bouche dense, des tanins structurants, du volume pour un vin encore un peu sur la prise de bois à ce stade. Belle garde pour un beau rapport qualité/prix. June 2020

B MY BORDEAUX, CHRISTER BYKLUM

93-95
Ruby. Scented, blueberries and anise, blackberries nose, dark fruits, faintly floral. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, detailed, intense, nuanced, bright and layered, superb Fleur Cardinale. Alcohol on the high side at 14,5. One of their best efforts to date. All the work they have done and are doing seems to be rocking in this wine. You think it is finishing before another wave of flavours hits the palate. June 2020

94
Ruby. Scented, blackberries, dark fruits, liquorice, nuanced and detailed nose, bright. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, dark fruits, liquorice, spices, detailed, long. November 2022

BETTANE & DESSEAUVE

92
Des accents de fruits noirs salivants vous ouvrent la cage thoracique. Tannin satiné porté par une structure fournie qui se déploie du toucher de bouche jusqu'à sa finale. Chair raffinée, avec un jus élancé et une grande cohérence. Le meilleur vin jamais produit sur la propriété et une des priorités pour l'amateur. Mai 2020

DECANTER, JANE ANSON

94
Always one of the bigger more powerful St Emilions, and this has plenty of estate signature. Excellent presence, it heads downwards, carving out a space for itself and settling in for the long haul. Clear oak character but not overdone, and has the glamour and sense of fun that I love about this property. Clear spice also, sage and rosemary alongside liquorice and black chocolate. This is well handled, definitely a bigger framed wine but delivered with confidence and appeal - you're going to want to try this. Tasted twice three weeks apart. 100% new oak. A yield of 44hl/ha. Every case sold this year will see one tree planted, with the hope of planting 10,000 trees. May 2020

DECANTER

95
Really smoky, coffee bean aromas on the nose with ripe blackcurrants. Great texture and flavour here, it's full of herbs and liquorice-tinged black fruits (cherries mainly) but really well integrated so that no one aspect sticks out. Tannins are super fine and smooth and the acidity is well balanced carrying the density of the fruit as well as the freshness. It's a big shouldered wine there's no question, power but also poise. Harmonious, charming and elegant. A very complete wine that is balanced with generous fruit, tannins, acidity and mineral freshness. Feels well handled and just excellently executed. Has a real purity to it with sculpting and refinement. Great stuff and still so juicy and appealing at the end. A top buy. March 2022

FALSTAFF

94
Tiefdunkles Rubingranat, opaker Kern, violette Reflexe, dezente Randaufhellung. Zarte Brombeernuancen, feiner Edelholztouch, Herzkirschen, ein Hauch von Orangenzesten, einladendes Bukett. Saftig, seidig und elegant, feine Extraktsüße, reife, tragende Tannine, schokoladiger Anklang, gute Frisch, zeigt Länge, vielversprechendes Reifepotenzial, finessenreicher Stil. Deep dark ruby garnet, opaque core, violet reflections, discreet edge brightening. Delicate blackberry nuances, a fine touch of precious wood, heart cherries, a hint of orange zest, inviting bouquet. Juicy, silky and elegant, fine extract sweetness, ripe, carrying tannins, chocolaty appeal, good freshness, shows length, promising ripening potential, finesse-rich style. June 2020

FORBES, TOM MULLEN

97
Strong but supple aromas are layered and include leather, treacle, blackberries, quince, smoke and bourbon chocolate biscuits. A chewy, beauty in the mouth that is well structured with fresh acidity, lively fruit and layers that include mocha. Finesse and excellence deriving from superb terroir. March 2022

GREAT BORDEAUX WINES, IZAK LITWAR

94+
23.5 ha, clay-limestone slopes, 72% Merlot + 24% Cabernet Franc + 4% Cabernet Sauvignon. Very fragrant on the nose with violets, blueberries and cherries. Well-defined, vibrant, very complex, elegant with finesse, delicate fruit, lovely finish with persistency. Excellent winemaking here! June 2020

INSIDE BORDEAUX, JANE ANSON

95
Though barely getting going at two years old, you already see what a great wine this is. Juicy plum and damson fruits, shot through with richly textured raspberry coulis, all kissed by smoky oak without going over the top. A deft mix of tension and balance. One of my real stars of the vintage in St Emilion, and an upscore from En Primeur. 100% new oak, with every case sold seeing one tree planted, with the hope of planting 10,000 trees in total. October 2021

JAMES SUCKLING

95-96
This is a wine that has a broad brush of tannins that give energy and subtle texture to the palate. Beautiful blue fruit and terracotta. Really fine-grained tannins. Beautiful, sweet fruit at the finish. One of the best I have had from here. Really want to drink it. May 2020

95
Beautiful clarity of crushed red berries with dried flowers and sliced oyster mushrooms on the nose. Full-bodied with layers of ripe tannins and juicy fruit. Chocolate and walnut character comes through, together with hints of vanilla bean. Beautifully curated. 76% merlot, 20% cabernet franc and 4% cabernet sauvignon. Try after 2025. February 2022

JEAN-MARC QUARIN

16,75 // 93
Couleur sombre, intense et pourpre. Nez très aromatique, au fruité mûr comme souvent, mais cette fois ci avec une nuance plus subtile. Touche d'épices. Moelleux en entrée de bouche, particulièrement fruité au milieu et plus minutieux que jamais dans sa texture, le vin évolue juteux et puissant en finale, avec un fond légèrement boisé d'où ressortent les fruits noirs et une touche crémeuse. C'est très bon. Très bel Outsider. February 2022

16,75 // 93
Couleur sombre et intense. Nez d'intensité moyenne, au fruité mûr et crémeux. Ensemble profond. Dense tout le long du palais, très, très fruité, savoureux, le vin évolue ample, avec beaucoup de tenue et de goût, sans aucun angle tannique. C'est long et très bon. December 2022

JEANNIE CHO LEE, MW

94
Wonderful depth and flavors in this beautifully crafted Fleur Cardinale. Supple, velvety tannins support intense layers of complex flavors. Lingering finish. June 2020

JEB DUNNUCK

93-95
Stunning stuff, the 2019 Château Fleur Cardinale might be the finest vintage of this wine I've tasted. Deep purple-hued, with awesome notes of ripe red and black currants, tobacco, chocolate, and spring flowers, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a plush, seamless texture, polished tannins, and a great finish. This is a killer 2019 that shows the class, balance, and purity of the vintage while backing it up with depth and richness. Tasted twice. June 2020

94
A consistently impressive Saint-Emilion, the 2019 Château Fleur Cardinale shows the vintage beautifully, with a medium to full-bodied, elegant style as well as classic darker cherry and mulberry fruits, notes of dried herbs, loamy earth, and incense, supple yet present tannins, and a great finish. It's one classy, balanced 2019 to drink over the coming two decades. April 2022

JOURNAL D'UN PASSIONNÉ DE LA RIVE DROITE, DANIEL SÉRIOT

92-94
L'agitation amplifie des arômes de cerises mûres, de cassis, de fines épices, et de violettes . La bouche offre un corps bien formé et rempli, dotée d'une chair délicate et veloutée, rehaussée de fruits éloquents. La finale est allongée, fraîche, tenue par des tannins bien enrobés, et aromatique. June 2020

LA REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE, KARINE VALENTIN

16,5-17
La matière est pointue, le volume intense, avec des notes salines. La bouche de ce 2019 offre des saveurs de fruits noirs. On savoure une chair dotée d’un joli croquant, qui a su demeurer généreuse et fraîche en finale. September 2020

LE FIGARO

94
Le nez est assez discret, fin et délicat, comme s'il rougissait discrètement. Après quelques arômes de fleurs de sureau, il s'ouvre sur une bouche d'une grande fluidité, limpide et pure, avec des notes de fruits noirs, d'épices, de clous de girofle, et une finale d'une grande tendresse. March 2022

LES ECHOS

93-95
Avec une âme de musiciens accomplis, Caroline et Ludovic Decoster électrisent leur 2019 grâce à un bouquet frais de fruits noirs parfaitement mûrs, une texture charnue et des tanins subtils. Vibrant comme une guitare électrique. Prix tendre. June 2020

LIVETS GODA

95
Ett slott som måste kategoriseras in bland våra favoriter i årgången och som med sin skicklighet att förena kraft, finess och modern vinmakning fått fram ett lysande vin med sensuell mörk tät frukt, stöddiga tanniner men med otrolig fräschör där allt lindas in i generös men mästerligt hanterad ek. July 2020 A castle that must be categorized among our favorites in the vintage and which with its skill to combine power, finesse and modern winemaking has produced a brilliant wine with sensual dark dense fruit, supportive tannins but with incredible freshness where everything is wrapped in generous but masterfully handled oak.

MARKUS DEL MONEGO, MW

94
Dark purple colour with violet hue and black core. Expressive nose with aroma reminiscent of blackberries, forest berry jam, ripe figs and hints of sloe. Backed by fine toasting aroma, mocha and dark chocolate, vanilla and gingerbread. On the palate well concentrated yet elegant with juicy fruit, sweet tannins, excellent depth and length, a wonderful, rich but elegant wine with complexity and class. June 2020

PERSWIJN

****(*)
Geur: kersen en pruimen, warm, koffie Smaak: stevig en sappig, fijne tannine, weelderig Scent: cherries and plums, hot, coffee Taste: firm and juicy, fine tannins, sumptuous June 2020

SCHWEIZERISCHE WEINZEITUNG, HANS MARTIN GESELLMANN

18
Intensives Bouquet, Wild-kirschen, Kräuter, reife Himbeeren, Bitterschokolade. Gute Dichte, saftig, zart adstringierend, feine Säure, gute Struktur, rot-bis schwarzbeerige Frucht, Brombeeren, Johannisbeere-ren, zart Kräuter im Finish, gute Länge. Intense bouquet, wild cherries, herbs, ripe raspberries, dark chocolate. Good density, juicy, delicately astringent, fine acidity, good structure, red to black berry fruit, blackberries, currants, delicate herbs in the finish, good length. June 2020

TERRE DE VINS

96
Sur une approche subtile un peu dans la prise de bois, la surprise vient à la mise en bouche, ample et savoureuse. "Un petit bijou" commente un dégustateur, une construction dans le détail, jus capiteux et opulent, assez solaire, sur des fruits rouges juteux. L'ensemble est friand, mais dense aussi, avec une trame tannique très élégante. On a déjà envie d'y revenir, c'est un vin accompli, racé, au bon potentiel de garde. June 2020

THE WINE ADVOCATE, LISA PERROTTI-BROWN

93-95
Deep purple-black in color, the 2019 Fleur Cardinale exudes opulent scents of cinnamon stick, star anise, plum preserves and chocolate-covered cherries with a seducing undercurrent of lilacs, mulberries, allspice and black truffles. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is already tantalizingly delicious, revealing layer upon layer of black fruits, exotic spices and earthy sparks, finishing with great freshness and depth. This year's blend is 76% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon. June 2020

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER, JEFF LEVE

92-94
Medium/full-bodied with a real sweetness and soft, lush quality to the fruit, this wine delivers more freshness than you usually find here in all the gorgeous black, red and blue fruits. The wine is a blend of 76% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon. June 2020

94
Dark in color with a nose that sports espresso bean, smoke, licorice, crushed stone and chocolate-covered plums. There is richness, freshness and balance and layers of black and red fruits liberally coated with cocoa, licorice and coffee. I am really liking how this is developing. March 2022

THE WINE DOCTOR, CHRIS KISSACK

93-95
The grand vin in this vintage is 76% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon. The harvest was October 2nd to the 14th, a little later than some, with a yield of 44 hl/ha. The declared alcohol is 14.5%. A glossy hue, dark but showing a little more saturation here and a richer crimson rim. The style on the nose is very modern, the aromatic profile brimming with crushed dried fruits, a little smudged in terms of definition, with a smoky, baked black cherry and chocolate nose. It feels a little purer on the palate, where there is a seam of dark summer fruits, berries and cherries, coated in dark chocolate, but with an energetic lifting structure formed from a band of ripe, velvety tannins and mouthwatering acidity. Lots of ripe grip on the finish, the fruit definition fading again here though, and the length is full of tannin. This vintage has worked well for the Fleur-Cardinale style, as this is a delight. June 2020

94
From the Decoster family, this property displays classic eastern plateau features, with a dark, brooding and glossy appearance in the glass, and an expressive nose filled with griddled fruit, dried blackcurrants, smoke, tobacco and toast. The palate is richly formed, filled to the brim with supple black fruits, and laced with dark chocolate, crushed slate and sage. This all sits within a plush but tightly restrained texture, and is balanced by a shimmering vein of acidity. Dark, slightly mysterious, nevertheless cohesive, ripe and structured, this surely has cellar potential. I would like to see how this looks in five or ten years; my suspicion is that it would be a good experience. March 2022

94
This is 71% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. A rather classy nose here, nicely defined, expressive, with scents of dark chocolate, black cherries and a touch of rose petal, with a rather honeyed integration. This is very promising, and the palate continues with a sense of harmony, combining a supple and almost plush presence of dark and perfumed fruits, laced with violets, rose, black pepper and slate, with a firm central spindle of tannins and acidity. It all holds together very well in the finish. I find lovely harmony here, and super potential for the future. This is full of promise. The alcohol on the label is 14.5%. December 2022

THE WINE INDEPENDENT, LISA PERROTTI-BROWN

94
Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2019 Fleur Cardinale bursts with flamboyant scents of blackberry pie, stewed plums, and boysenberry preserves, followed by hints of incense and cigar box. Medium to full-bodied, the taut, muscular black fruit is beautifully offset by a lively backbone and fine-grained tannins, finishing with great length and purity. The blend is 71% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. April 2022

VERT DE VIN, JONATHAN CHOUKROUN CHICHEPORTICHE

95-96
Le nez est élégant, racé, intensé et offre de la finesse du grain, de la puissance, de l’intensité ainsi que de la profondeur. On y retrouve des notes de cassis mûr, de mûre écrasée et plus légèrement de prune noire associées à de fines touches de framboise, de myrtille, de petites baies sauvages ainsi qu’à des pointes de toasté, de camphre, de réglisse et de poivre de sichuan. La bouche est fruitée, juteuse, élégante, joliment définie et offre de la profondeur, une jolie finesse du grain, un "sens de la place" (racée / terroir), une puissance maitrisée ainsi qu’une trame acidulée. En bouche ce vin exprime des notes de cassis juteux/mûr,de mûre et plus légèrement de framboise associées à de petites touches de myrtille, de prune ainsi qu’à des pointes de cacao, de caramélisation, de cardamone, de noisette toastée et de bleuet. Une persistance sur des notes de chocolat noir. Les tannins sont élégants, précis, fins, racés et offrent de la souplesse. June 2020

94-95
The nose is all finesse / elegance and offers a nice aerial approach, controlled power, complexity as well as a certain depth. It reveals notes of wild blackberry, camphor and violet associated with touches of juicy / tart blue berries, cornflowers / lily as well as discreet hints of pepper and a subtle hint of sense of place. The palate is fruity, racy, elegant, balanced, all in subtlety / delicacy in its power / in its structure and offers juiciness, unctuosity, an acidulous frame, good definition, gourmandize as well as a nice finesse and texture. On the palate this wine expresses notes of juicy / pulpy blackcurrant, pulpy raspberry and more slightly cornflowers associated with touches of pulpy currants as well as fine hints of lily, plum, chocolate, caramelization and an imperceptible hint of sweet spices. Tannins are precise, powerful, polished, well-rounded and elegant. January 2022

VINOUS, ANTONIO GALLONI

93-95
The 2019 Fleur Cardinale is ripe, bold and luscious, with striking depth and resonance. Inky dark fruit, graphite, lavender, spice, menthol and blueberry jam all race out of the glass. Even with all of its obvious intensity, the 2019 has terrific freshness and vibrancy. In 2019, the blend is 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon. Tasted two times. June 2020

94
The 2019 Fleur Cardinale is a real head-turner. Lush and voluptuous in the glass, the 2019 offers up copious dark fruit, along with hints of chocolate, spice, new leather, menthol and licorice. There is no shortage or richness or lushness. While the 2019 is certainly a very, very good wine it is not quite as expressive as it was in barrel. Tasted two times. February 2022

VINOUS, NEAL MARTIN

92-94
The 2019 Fleur Cardinale has a very composed bouquet, perhaps more so than its sibling, Croix Cardinale. It offers black cherries, black olive and light cassis aromas, all nicely integrated with the oak. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit mixed with graphite and cedar, almost Left Bank like towards the structured finish. Excellent. June 2020

VVWINE, ADRIAN VAN VELSEN

93-95
Profound, complex, floral on the one hand, then with a lot of ripe, dark fruit, coffee beans, leather, liquorice. Elegant on the palate and with ripe fruit, but this does not look overcooked, but is buffered by a juicy acidity, the tannins are of very good quality and the alcohol is packaged perfectly. Ends long-lasting, delicately spicy and dark-fruity. After the super successful 2018, another proof that you are looking for and finding freshness on La Fleur Cardinale! June 2020

94
Verkostet im Dezember 2021 in Windisch) Komplexe Nase, dunkle Früchte, florale Töne, Veilchen, Süssholz, Mokka, verändert sich mit Luft, zeigt mehr und mehr steinige Noten. IM Gaumen gradlinig und fruchtbetont, diese ist klar und rein, wird von feinmaschigem Tannin umgarnt, die Säure ist lebhaft, wohl dosiert, kraftvoll, balanciert, in keiner Weise überladen und mit einem intensiven, fruchtigen und sehr frischen Finale ist dieser Wein ein qualitativ hochwertiger, moderner und eleganter Vertreter seiner Appellation. Wird in jeder Phase seines Lebens Spass machen. January 2022

WINE ENTHUSIAST, ROGER VOSS

93
After 12 months in wood, the wine has a fine spicy edge. That balances the rich black fruits with their floral character. This is a ripe wine that has plenty of potential. Drink from 2026. September 2022

WINE WORDS AND VIDEOTAPE, JEREMY WILLIAMS

95-96+
Deep at centre; dark; earthy purple at edge; beautifully seductive red fruits; glossy; polished; lovely unctuous fruit; really super; lovely purity; sweet ripe fruit; some new oak to integrate but the fruit seems to be soaking it up; opens up further in the glass; lush fruit here; inky; concentrated; certainly bags of extract; lots to this. Super stuff. Later on there was a satin quality here – super plush overall; evident layers and depth. Brilliant effort. June 2020

WINE SPECTATOR, JAMES MOLESWORTH

92
Richly textured, with currant and fig paste notes rolling through slowly, laced liberally with humus, alder and tobacco. A touch burly, but the fruit has an unctuous hint as a counterbalance. This is for fans of the bigger style. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. January 2022

YVES BECK

93-94
Pourpre violacé dense. Très invitant et complexe ce bouquet ! Il associe parfaitement les notes fruitées, la maturité et la fraîcheur. Agréables nuances de mûres, de cerises et de graphite, suivies d’une touche de fèves de cacao. En bouche le vin est friand, crémeux et équilibré. Il est doté de tannins élégants qui se révèle doucement et qui assurent bien les arrières communément avec la structure. Ce Fleur Cardinale a de l’ampleur, un peu de gras et du tempérament. Finale fruitée et persistante. Une belle réussite. Ludovic et Caroline Decoster ont su allier charme et vigueur. C’est prometteur ! Mars 2020

94
Le bouquet de Fleur Cardinale 2019 se révèle tout en finesse. Il est subtil, fruité et révèle des nuances minérales. En bouche l'attaque est friande et juteuse. Ce vin a du corps, des tannins serrés et une agréable fraîcheur conférée par la tension de la structure acide. Fleur Cardinale gagne en énergie et en pertinence. De bien belles perspectives ! Janvier 2022

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