Fleur Cardinale

2012

Wine Advocate 93: The flagship wine from the Decoster family, this blend of 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon has been a hugely successful wine since they acquired this 58-acre estate and revolutionized the level of quality. This is consistently one of the best St.-Emilions and over-achieving for its classification. The 2012 has pure, striking aromatics of blueberry, black raspberry, minerals and flowers. Medium to full-bodied, ripe and multi-dimensional, with a beautiful texture, this is stunning wine that completely dominates its classification and over-delivers in terms of quality and potential longevity. It should drink well for 15 or more years. Yields were a modest 34 hectoliters per hectare from an unusually late harvest – October 22 to November 2.

James Suckling 91: A fine and firm wine with blueberry, chocolate and walnut character. Full body and chewy tannins that are polished and long. Very pretty.

Vinous 93: The 2012 Fleur Cardinale is a beautiful example of modern Saint-Emilion. Silky tannins and soft contours wrap around a core of red cherry jam, wild flowers, mint, cinnamon and white pepper. Dramatic and expansive on the palate, the 2012 shows remarkable nuance for such an intense wine. All the elements fall into place effortlessly.

Decanter 92: This is a little more mellow and balanced than the 2011, and for me much better for it. Full of soft gourmet-edged chocolate with plum, raspberry and blackberry fruits. A tiny bit short through the finish, the fruit is definitely softening, and you can drink this already, especially with a few hours in a carafe. Good quality, giving pleasure already, soft tannins. More Cabernet Franc and a little less Cabernet Sauvignon notable in the blend, in a late harvest year that ran from October 22 to November 3. Yield at 37hl/ha.