Château Croix Cardinale Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2016
1*Étoile
Hachette
93/100
James Suckling
92/100
Vinous
92/100
The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve
16/20
Bettane & Desseauve
"Croix Cardinale 2016 presents a pure and concentrated nose of wild strawberry, raspberry coulis, and light floral notes. The palate is medium-bodied, with supple tannins and a fine acidity. The palate is consistent, with well-integrated oak on the finish. Give it five years in the bottle and it should develop into an exceptional Saint-Émilion." (Vinous 2018) - Delivery in wooden cases for all orders of six bottles of this wine (excluding Point Relais delivery method).
Buy your Fleur Cardinale wines at the best price in our private sale!
from €99 on your first order
Eye
Intense garnet-purple color
Nose
Elegant bouquet, marked by spices and fruit such as black cherry and plum
Mouth
Medium-bodied, very fruity with brightness and supple, fine tannins.
Serve
At 16-18°C
Open
1 hour before
Drink from
2019
Drink before
2030
Production
16,000 bottles
Food and wine pairings
Enjoy with pork tenderloin or leg of lamb.
Bettane & Desseauve
Wine rated 16/20 (Very good wine)
3-star rating (High-quality production, serving as a benchmark in its sector)
About wine:
Four hectares located in the middle of Fleur Cardinale and purchased in 2011 are used to produce this wine, which offers beautiful juiciness in the tannins and a harmonious velvety texture.
About the estate:
Florence and Dominique Decoster, their son Ludovic, and his wife Caroline have developed a passion for this 23-hectare hillside estate near the town of Castillon. The wines have a rare generosity, even in average vintages, and have gained finesse in their tannin structure. It is one of Saint-Émilion's sure values, and the new winery is already delivering greater precision and purity. What progress has been made and what efforts have been made! This cru is on its way to the top.
Guide Hachette des vins
Wine rated 1*Star (Very successful wine)
Rated estate (2022 guide) Award-winning wines (This producer's wines are regularly recognized by the guide)
About wine:
The intense nose combines blackberry, violet, and roasted notes (coffee, toast). After a supple and full attack, the palate gradually builds in power, supported by tight tannins and just the right amount of freshness. The long finish is warm. A 2016 with a bright future.
About the estate:
In 2001, Dominique and Florence Decoster acquired Ch. Fleur Cardinale, a 23.5-hectare estate located on one of the highest points of the AOC, east of Saint-Émilion. Their investments quickly bore fruit: the estate, which has been steadily improving, entered the "classified" circle in 2006, a classification that was confirmed in 2012. The property expanded by 4 hectares in 2011 with the purchase of the neighboring Croix Cardinale vineyard. Ludovic Decoster joined the property in 2015 and holds the position of operations manager.
RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France
Rated estate (2022 guide) Winemaker of the vintage
About the estate:
The Decoster family (originally from Limoges porcelain and Haviland) spares no effort in making this vintage one of the appellation's sure values. This beautiful estate, located in the eastern part of Saint-Émilion, north of Saint-Étienne-de-Lisse, benefits from generous clay soil, requiring patience to achieve a high level of maturity. The Fleur Cardinale vineyard is in the latest-ripening sector of the grands crus classés. Advised by Jean-Luc Thunevin, the estate produces wines with a modern, rich and flattering style, often bordering on over-ripeness. Expanded by 8 hectares with the 2012 classification, the property now covers 23.5 hectares. Of these 8 hectares from La Croix Cardinale (a brand still produced by the Decosters), 4 hectares are used for Fleur Cardinale's grand vin.
Vinous
Wine rated (2018 guide) 92/100
About wine:
Croix Cardinale 2016 has a pure, concentrated nose of wild strawberry, raspberry coulis, and light floral notes. The palate is medium-bodied, with supple tannins and a touch of acidity. The palate is consistent, displaying well-integrated oak on the finish. Give it five years in the bottle and it should develop into an exceptional Saint-Émilion. 2022-2040
James Suckling
Wine rated (2019 guide) 93/100
About wine:
A very rich and mature wine with dark, stony aromas. Rich in fruit, the palate expresses flavors of black plum and chocolate. The tannins are firm, long, and assertive. A blend of 72% Merlot and 28% Cabernet Franc. Second wine of Château Fleur Cardinale. Try it from 2022 onwards.
The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve
Wine rated (2019 guide) 92/100
About wine:
Medium-bodied to full-bodied, delicate, round, fresh, and loaded with ripe, dark, juicy berries, licorice, chocolate, and mocha. The wine is avant-garde with spicy notes and freshness. Drink this wine while waiting for its big sister to develop.
Discover other wines from the estate