Château Fleur Cardinale 2023

Château Fleur Cardinale, with its meticulous selection process bordering on obsession, presents us with perfection in ripeness (average yield: 15hl/ha). Deep blueberries, mulberries; delicate cloves, allspice; rich hazelnuts, and mocha, all meld together in a sweet embrace. The wine exhibits a solid, robust body, with rich and velvety tannins that belie its seemingly intense texture, infused with a subtle finesse, led by the 37% contribution of Merlot. Château Fleur Cardinale, having endured trials and tribulations, stages a remarkable “comeback” in the 2023 vintage, showcasing the indomitable spirit of Bordeaux.

The aromatics feel pure and bright though, with sweet dark plum, violet cream, black pepper and liquorice. This is followed by a quite delicious palate, showing beautiful harmony, melding layers of dark fruit in a polished and elegant texture, with a fine lacelike frame of tannins, and fresh acidity. Truly excellent work here, one of the best in its category; I suspect the low yields brought extra concentration, which helps in this vintage. Tasted twice.

Ruby. Blackberries, anise, cassis, spices, dark fruits notes nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, juicy, red and dark fruits, energetic, detailed and long.

Excellent depth of fruit, with tension, focus and precision. Medium to full body. Dense center-palate and a creamy-textured finish. Ripe, fine tannins.
Avril 202

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

Dark purple colour with violet hue and almost black core. Fine aroma reminiscent of elegant toasting, coffee and mild spies, backed by ripe blackberries, mulberries and plums. Elegant spiciness and fine hints of dark chocolate. On the palate well structured with convincing lenght, full-bodied character with velvety tannins and ripe fruit.

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.

Le bouquet de Fleur Cardinale 2023 est de bonne intensité et se caractérise par des notes de sureau, des nuances de pivoine et une touche crayeuse. La maturation fonctionne subtilement en arrière-plan. Le vin est gourmand à l'attaque, soutenu par des tanins savoureux et une structure concise qui assure l'équilibre tout au long de la bouche. Un vin qui mérite non seulement d'être reconnu dans un contexte compliqué, mais aussi en route vers encore plus de justesse et d'authenticité ! 2027-2043