Château Fleur Cardinale Saint Emilion 2019

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SKU: 01164

750ml

$59.99

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Category	Red Wine
Varietals	Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Cabernet Franc
Brand	Château Fleur Cardinale
Origin	France, Bordeaux, Saint-Émilion
Alcohol/vol	14.5%

In 2001. Florence and Dominique Decoster bought Château Fleur Cardinale, located in the east of Saint-Émilion, on one of the highest points of the appellation. Thanks to constant investments, both in the vineyard and in the winery, Château Fleur Cardinale quickly became a blue chip of the appellation. Noted for its consistent quality, Château Fleur Cardinale was promoted to the rank of Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé in 2006 and confirmed in 2012. In 2011, Florence and Dominique Decoster acquired Château Croix Cardinale Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, next to Château Fleur Cardinale.

Château Fleur Cardinale is planted to 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, with an average vine age of 45+ years. This high-altitude, limestone-rich site, is always picked late for optimal concentration and ripeness, and the wine usually spends 12-15 months in new oak barrels.

'The approach at Fleur Cardinale results in wines with a deep and powerful color and lots of body, vigor and depth. These modern wines have nevertheless retained all of the fruity and mineral identity that is worthy of the very fine wines of Saint-Émilion and of Bordeaux.' Jean-Philippe Fort, Oenologist at the Michel Rolland Laboratory

'Fleur Cardinale, which has been in the hands of Florence and Dominique Decoster since 2001, has been producing great wines with clockwork regularity every year and as a result is now considered one of the best 100 growths in Bordeaux. It came as no surprise when it was promoted to Classified Growth status in 2006, which it maintained in the new 2012 classification. The Decosters have been unwavering in their determination to get the best possible results every year regardless of cost or the efforts that may be necessary. 'I’ve been very proud to be the consultant for this property and to become a friend of the Decoster family. And whatever the successes or partial successes we may have achieved, we won’t hesitate to keep on making the best wine possible to meet the high expectations of our customers, who in the end are the only real judges of what we do.' Jean-Philippe Fort

'In each vintage, I believe we have given it all we can, setting the bar higher the following year, seeking that extra detail which further enhances this lovely estate standing just next door to Valandraud and located undoubtedly in one of Saint-Emilion’s best wine growing areas. Our vineyard crew working among the old vines of the estate shows the greatest care for the natural environment and tends the vineyard as they would the loveliest of gardens, helping produce wines that are the fullest expression of a grand vin.' Jean-Luc Thunevin, consultant

Wine Advocate

wa95

Deep purple-black in color, the 2019 Fleur Cardinale exudes opulent scents of cinnamon stick, star anise, plum preserves and chocolate-covered cherries with a seducing undercurrent of lilacs, mulberries, allspice and black truffles. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is already tantalizingly delicious, revealing layer upon layer of black fruits, exotic spices and earthy sparks, finishing with great freshness and depth. 93-95

Lisa Perrotti-Brown

Jeb Dunnuck

jd95

Stunning stuff, the 2019 Château Fleur Cardinale might be the finest vintage of this wine I've tasted. Deep purple-hued, with awesome notes of ripe red and black currants, tobacco, chocolate, and spring flowers, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a plush, seamless texture, polished tannins, and a great finish. This is a killer 2019 that shows the class, balance, and purity of the vintage while backing it up with depth and richness. 93-95

Audrey Frick

Vinous

The 2019 Fleur Cardinale is ripe, bold and luscious, with striking depth and resonance. Inky dark fruit, graphite, lavender, spice, menthol and blueberry jam all race out of the glass. Even with all of its obvious intensity, the 2019 has terrific freshness and vibrancy. 93-95

Antonio Galloni

Wine Enthusiast

we93

After 12 months in wood, the wine has a fine spicy edge. That balances the rich black fruits with their floral character. This is a ripe wine that has plenty of potential. Drink from 2026.

Roger Voss, September 1, 2022

Wine Spectator

ws92

Richly textured, with currant and fig paste notes rolling through slowly, laced liberally with humus, alder and tobacco. A touch burly, but the fruit has an unctuous hint as a counterbalance. This is for fans of the bigger style. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2024 through 2037. 8,750 cases made, 3,000 cases imported.

Jonny McCormick, January 27, 2022