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By Chateau Fleur Cardinale
Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classe 2018
Technical Details:
Grape Blend: 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 14.50%
Consultant Oenologist: Jean-Philippe Fort, Michel Rolland Laboratory
Vineyard Details
Area in Production: 21.5 hectares
Terroir: Seven types of soils and sub-soils, clay and limestone
Plant Density: 6,225 to 8,000 vines per hectare
Average Age of Vines: 40 years
Vineyard Management: Natural grass growing between the rows, organic fertilizers, winter seedlings, integrated control methods using biocontrol products, de-budding, green harvesting, manual one-sided de-leafing
Harvesting
Harvest: 100% by hand
Harvest Dates: 27th of September through 24th of October
Yield: 45 hl/ha
Selection: Three sortings, one by density (Tribaie machine)
Winemaking
Type of Vats: Stainless steel, 50-110 hl
Fermentation: 28 days
Vinification Techniques: Cold maceration, aging on lees
Aging: In French oak barrels (100% new) for 12 to 14 months, with barrels sourced from 7 coopers utilizing wood from the most prestigious forests.
[Information provided by DHI Selections]
Region
Bordeaux
Vintage
2018
Grape
Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon
Country
France
Unit Size
750.00 ML
Alcohol Percentage
14.50
Appellation
Saint-É́milion Grand Cru
Wine: 2018 Fleur Cardinale Saint-Emilion
Score/Rating: 94+
Suggested Drinking Window: 2023 - 2040
Review Date: 04/22/2021
Reviewed By: Lisa Perrotti-Brown
Tasting Notes: Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Fleur Cardinale--composed of [...] Merlot, [...] Cabernet Franc and [...] Cabernet Sauvignon--leaps from the glass with vibrant notes of wild blueberries, crushed blackberries and ripe, juicy plums, plus hints of sandalwood, unsmoked cigars, menthol and licorice. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is chock-full of ripe black and blue fruits, framed by velvety tannins and beautiful freshness, finishing long with lots of mineral and exotic spice layers. A very stylish Saint-Emilion!
Wine: Chateau Fleur Cardinale St.-Emilion 2018
Score/Rating: 94
Review Date: 04/22/2021
Reviewed By: James Suckling
Tasting Notes: Blackcurrant, clove, walnut-husk, tobacco and pine-cone aromas. Dried flowers and mocha, too. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, tight-grained tannins. Polished layers of dark fruit and wood notes with a long, chewy finish. Focused. Very fine.
Wine: 2018 Chateau Fleur Cardinale Saint-Emilion
Score/Rating: 94
Suggested Drinking Window: 2025 - 2045
Review Date: 03/11/2021
Reviewed By: Jeb Dunnuck
Tasting Notes: The Grand Vin 2018 Chateau Fleur Cardinale checks in as a mix of [...] Merlot, [...] Cabernet Franc, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon brought up in new French oak. It has integrated its oak elevage beautifully and while it has a kiss of modern character and polish, it still has loads of classic Saint-Emilion character, as well as minerality. Deep ruby/plum hued with a gorgeous bouquet of black cherries, white truffles, camphor, lead pencil, and exotic spices, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a beautifully balanced, layered texture, building, firm tannins, and a great finish. It’s certainly in the same class as the 2015 and 2016, but the cellar is going to be your friend. Hide bottles for at least 4-6 years and it should cruise for 20 years or more.
Wine: 2018 Chateau Fleur Cardinale St. Emilion Grand Cru
Score/Rating: 94
Review Date: 03/09/2021
Tasting Notes: Full-bodied, round, lush and polished, this richly textured wine is filled with espresso, dark chocolate, licorice, and dark red fruits. The wine is round, full of flesh and flash with an endless supply of dark chocolate and ripe fruits. The wine is a blend of 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Wine: 2018 Fleur Cardinale Saint Emilion Grand Cru Classe
Score/Rating: 94
Suggested Drinking Window: 2026 - 2038
Review Date: 03/2021
Reviewed By: Antonio Galloni
Tasting Notes: The 2018 Fleur Cardinale is bright and focused, yet has all of the raciness the estate’s fans have come to expect. Inky red fruit, blood orange, spice, mint and rose petal develop with a bit of coaxing. Today the 2018 is a bit tightly wound, but that should serve it just fine as it ages in bottle. Pretty Cabernet Franc accents linger on the persistent finish.
Wine: Chateau Fleur Cardinale St-Emilion Grand Cru Classe 2018
Score/Rating: 94
Suggested Drinking Window: 2025 - 2045
Review Date: 11/09/2020
Reviewed By: Jane Anson
Tasting Notes: An estate that is just doing such good work right now. This was delicious en primeur and for me a little better in bottle. Has that slow slate-textured finish that makes things inch along slowly, giving time to appreciate the rich berry fruits and floral edge to the aromatics. An interesting initiative in the packaging also, with a wooden cask that has instructions for being turned into a bird box afterwards, encouraging recycling. A yield of 45l/ha. 100% new oak.
Wine: Chateau Fleur Cardinale 2018 Saint-Emilion
Score/Rating: 93
Review Date: 04/01/2021
Reviewed By: Roger Voss
Tasting Notes: The Decoster family, formerly producers of porcelain in Limoges, have given this estate considerable luster. This latest release shows a solid character, powered by dark tannins, hints of licorice and rich fruit. Cabernet Franc aromas shine through the jammy Merlot.
Wine: Chateau Fleur Cardinale St.-Emilion 2018
Score/Rating: 93
Suggested Drinking Window: Best from 2022 through 2034
Review Date: 03/31/2021
Reviewed By: James Molesworth
Tasting Notes: Ripe and focused, with tasty red and black currant fruit flavors that have a racy edge, mixed with hints of anise, bramble and steeped dark tea developing through the finish. Very solid. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
