Château Croix Cardinale Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2018

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 texture. It is one of Saint-Émilion’s most reliable choices, and the new winery is already yielding greater precision and purity. What remarkable progress and dedication! This estate is well on its way to the top.

In 2001, Dominique and Florence Decoster acquired Château Fleur Cardinale, a 23.5-hectare estate located 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, joined the ranks of the “classified” wines in 2006, a classification that was confirmed in 2012. The estate expanded by 4 hectares in 2011 with the acquisition of the neighboring Croix Cardinale vineyard. Ludovic Decoster joined the estate in 2015 and serves as operations manager.

The Decoster family (with roots in Limoges porcelain, Haviland) spares no effort in making this wine 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 rich clay terroir that requires patience to achieve a high level of ripeness. The Fleur Cardinale vineyard is located in the latest-ripening sector of the Grands Crus Classés. With guidance from Jean-Luc Thunevin, the estate produces wines with a modern, rich, and flattering style, often bordering on overripeness. Expanded by 8 ha following the 2012 classification, the estate now covers 23.5 ha. Of these 8 ha, which come from La Croix Cardinale (a brand the Decosters still produce), 4 ha are used to produce Fleur Cardinale’s flagship wine.

The wine glides seductively across the palate, 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

Made from grapes grown in vineyards right next to Fleur Cardinale, the 2018 Château Croix Cardinale reveals a deep purple color along with medium-bodied to full-bodied notes of spiced plums, graphite, licorice, and earth. It is a ripe and seductive wine with plenty of delicate tannins, a beautiful texture, and a long finish. It is very much in keeping with the style of this ripe yet pure vintage.

The nose is fruity and elegant, with a touch of depth and a very subtle intensity. It features notes of pulpy 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 blueberries, and fresh Boysenberries, 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.

The 2018 Château Croix Cardinale has a deep purplish-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, with ripe tannins, delicate fruit, sweet spices, and a compelling finish.