Château Croix Cardinale Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2018
92/100
Wine Spectator
95/100
Tastingbook - Markus Del Monego
91-93/100
Jeb Dunnuck
91-92/100
Vert de Vin
“Made from vines located right next to Fleur Cardinale, the 2018 Château Croix Cardinale reveals a deep purple color along with medium- to full-bodied notes of spiced plums, graphite, licorice, and earth. It is a ripe, seductive wine with plenty of delicate tannins, a beautiful texture, and a long finish. It is very much in the style of the vintage: ripe yet pure.” (Jeb Dunnuck 2019) - Delivered in a wooden case for any order of 6 bottles of this wine (excluding Pickup Point delivery).
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Eye
Dark purple dress
Nose
Very fruity, almost indulgent, with very fresh dark fruit, earthy notes, and hints of licorice
Palate
Medium-bodied with a creamy texture, supple tannins, good structure, and a lovely finish
Serve
At 17-18°C
Open
1 hour before
Drink from
2021
Drink before
2035
Production
25,000 bottles
Food and wine pairings
Serve with pork tenderloin or leg of lamb
Bettane & Desseauve
Rated 3 stars (A high-quality product that serves as a benchmark in its sector)
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 display a rare richness, even in average vintages, and have gained finesse in their tannic structure. It is one of Saint-Émilion’s sure bets, and the new winery is already yielding greater precision and purity. What progress has been made and what efforts have been invested! This estate is on its way to the top.
Guide Hachette des vins
Rated estate (2022 guide) Award-winning wines (This producer’s wines are regularly recognized by the guide)
About the estate:
In 2001, Dominique and Florence Decoster acquired Château Fleur Cardinale, a 23.5-hectare estate situated on one of the highest points of the AOC, east of Saint-Émilion. Their investments quickly paid off: the wine, which has shown steady improvement, entered the ranks of the “classified” wines in 2006, a classification confirmed in 2012. The estate expanded by 4 hectares in 2011 with the acquisition of the neighboring La Croix Cardinale vineyard. Ludovic Decoster joined the estate in 2015 and serves as the estate manager.
RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France
Rated winery (2022 guide) Winemaker of the Year
About the estate:
The Decoster family (with roots in Limoges porcelain, specifically Haviland) spares no effort in making this estate one of the appellation’s most reliable choices. This beautiful estate, located in the eastern part of Saint-Émilion, north of Saint-Étienne-de-Lisse, benefits from a generous clay terroir that demands patience to achieve a high level of ripeness. The Fleur Cardinale vineyard is located in the latest-ripening sector of the Grand Crus Classés. Under the guidance of Jean-Luc Thunevin, the estate produces wines with a modern, rich, and flattering style, often bordering on overripeness. Expanded by 8 hectares following the 2012 classification, the estate now covers 23.5 hectares. Of these 8 hectares from La Croix Cardinale (a brand the Decosters still produce), 4 hectares contribute to the Fleur Cardinale grand vin.
Wine Spectator
Wine rated (2021 guide) 92/100 (Exceptional wine)
About the wine:
The wine flows seductively, with flavors of crushed plum, warm raspberry compote, and blackcurrant paste that possess a subtle vibrancy. Meanwhile, notes of black tar, burnt alder, and savory highlight the finish. Best enjoyed sooner rather than later, thanks to its generous fruit. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2030. 1,916 cases produced, 480 cases imported. - JM
Jeb Dunnuck
Wine rated (2019 guide) 91-93/100
About the wine:
Made from grapes grown in vineyards right next to Fleur Cardinale, the 2018 Château Croix Cardinale displays a deep purple color along with medium- to full-bodied notes of spiced plums, graphite, licorice, and earth. It is a ripe, seductive wine with plenty of delicate tannins, a beautiful texture, and a long finish. It is very much in the style of the vintage: ripe yet pure.
Vert de Vin
Wine rated (2020 guide) 91-92/100 (Jonathan Choukroun Chicheportiche)
About the wine:
The nose is fruity and elegant, with a touch of depth and a very delicate intensity. It features notes of juicy blackcurrant, vibrant blue berries, and, more subtly, wild black berries, combined with hints of lily and violet, very subtle hints of dry leaves and terroir, a very subtle hint of cardamom, and an imperceptible hint of fresh tobacco. The palate is balanced and fruity, offering lovely juicy, fresh, and vibrant fruit, structure, a touch of power, and juiciness. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of vibrant blackcurrant, bright and fresh small blue berries, and fresh Boysenberry, combined with subtle hints of fresh purple plum, lily, and discreet notes of terroir and dry oak leaf. The tannins are well-integrated and provide structure. A subtle hint of salinity on the finish adds appeal. A very subtle hint of licorice root lingers on the finish.
Tastingbook - Markus Del Monego
Wine rated (2019 guide) 95/100
About the wine:
The 2018 Château Croix Cardinale has a deep purple-red color with violet hues and a black core. Its nose is elegant, with restrained fruit and subtle notes of floral aromas and sweet spices. On the palate, the wine is well-balanced, featuring ripe tannins, delicate fruit, sweet spices, and a compelling finish.