Château Croix Cardinale Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2018

Bettane & Desseauve

About the domain :

Florence and Dominique Decoster, their son Ludovic and his wife Caroline have developed a passion for this 23-hectare hillside estate near Castillon. The wines have a rare generosity, even in average vintages, and have gained in tannin finesse. It's one of Saint-Émilion's best-sellers, and the new winery has already improved precision and purity. So much progress and effort. This cru is on its way to the top.

Guide Hachette des vins

About the domain :

In 2001, Dominique and Florence Decoster acquired Ch. Fleur Cardinale, a 23.5-hectare estate on one of the highest points of the AOC, to the east of Saint-Émilion. Their investments quickly bore fruit: in 2006, the steadily-growing estate joined the ranks of the "classés", a ranking confirmed in 2012. The estate expanded by 4 ha in 2011 with the purchase of the neighboring Croix Cardinale vineyard. Ludovic Decoster joined the estate in 2015 and holds the position of Operations Manager.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the domain :

The Decoster family (from Limoges porcelain, Haviland) has spared no effort to make this cru one of the appellation's best values. This beautiful property, located in the eastern part of Saint-Émilion, north of Saint-Étienne-de-Lisse, benefits from a generous clay terroir, requiring patience to reach a high level of maturity. The Fleur Cardinale vineyard is in the latest-growing 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. Enlarged by 8 ha with the 2012 classification, the estate now covers 23.5 ha. Of these 8 ha from La Croix Cardinale (a brand the Decoster family still produce), 4 ha go into the Fleur Cardinale grand vin.

Wine Spectator

About the wine:

The wine glides seductively, with flavors of crushed plum, warm raspberry compote and blackcurrant paste that have a subtle energy. While notes of black tar, burnt alder and savory underscore the finish. To be consumed in the shorter term, thanks to its copious fruit. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2030. 1,916 cases produced, 480 cases imported. - JM

Jeb Dunnuck

About the wine:

From vines right next to Fleur Cardinale, the 2018 Château Croix Cardinale reveals a deep purple color as well as medium- to full-bodied notes of spicy plums, graphite, licorice and earth. It's a ripe, sexy wine with lots of delicate tannins, a lovely texture and plenty of length on the finish. It's very much in the style of the ripe but pure vintage.

Vert de Vin

About the wine:

The nose is fruity, elegant and offers a little depth and very fine concentration. There are notes of pulpy blackcurrant, bright blue berries and, more lightly, wild black berries, combined with hints of lily, violet, very discreet hints of dry leaf/sense of place, a very discreet hint of cardamom and an imperceptible hint of fresh tobacco. The palate is balanced and fruity, with juicy/fresh/sparkling fruit, structure and a little power and juiciness. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of bright blackcurrant, bright/fresh blue berries and fresh boysenberry, combined with hints of fresh violet plum, lily and discreet hints of sens de la place/dry oak leaf. The tannins are well structured. A discreet hint of salinity on the finish adds palatability. A very discreet hint of licorice stick on the persistence.

Tastingbook - Markus Del Monego

About the wine:

Château Croix Cardinale 2018 is dark purple-red with a violet tint and black core. The nose is elegant, with restrained fruit and discreet notes of floral aromas and sweet spices. On the palate, the wine is well balanced with ripe tannins, delicate fruit, sweet spices and convincing length.