94-
95
James Suckling: A medium-bodied red with blackberry, cedar and terra cotta character and plenty of subtle fruit and sophistication. Shows excellent potential."
93-
95+
Jeb Dunnuck: Deep purple-hued, the 2025 Château Fleur Cardinale has a remarkably pure, polished, and elegant style. Black raspberries, cassis, currants, tobacco, and graphite all shine on the nose, and it's medium-bodied on the palate, with a concentrated mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and a great finish. Based on 77% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon that's being raised in a mix of new and once-used demi-muids and barriques, foudres, and amphora, it checks in at 13.8% alcohol and is a beautiful, elegant, mineral-laced Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classé."
94
Vinum: Fein duftend, subtil, floral, mit Tiefgang, mineralischen Noten, viel Kirsche und etwas Lavendel; gradliniger Gaumen, sehr präzis, saftige Frucht, feines Tannin; salzig im Abgang. Vielleicht der eleganteste Fleur Cardinal seit je?"
94
Decanter: Gorgeous fragrant and coo blueberry elements on the nose. Juicy and sleek, this has such crystalline purity to it - really focused and fresh with bite and tang. Tannins are fine and give slight edges to the palate accentuating it’s streamlined aspects but the acidity and freshness last all the way through to a long finish. Great stuff here, so finessed and polished and moreishly juicy. Yield of 40hl/ha."
93-
95
Lisa Perrotti-Brown: Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2025 Fleur Cardinale sails out of the glass with vibrant notes of juicy black cherries and ripe blueberries, giving way to hints of lilacs, menthol, and licorice. The medium- to full-bodied palate is filled with fragrant black and blue fruit preserves flavors, supported by firm, grainy tannins and fantastic tension, finishing long and opulent. The blend is 77% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon with an alcohol of 13.8%."
93
Jane Anson: Vines from the north-facing slope of this excellent estate, compelling grip and character. They do such a good job of harnessing power, and delivering it as precision and lift. It's a wine that is full of bristling promise, and one to check back in on over ageing - blackberry, crayon, pomegranate, will soften and widen further over the next year in barrel. Harvest September 8 to 22. 50% new oak. 40 hl/ha yield."
92-
94
The Wine Cellar Insider: Cinnamon, chocolate, plums, espresso, and black cherry aromas pop in the perfume. On the palate, the wine is dark, lush, round, creamy, and sweet, with an opulent character in the polished , fruit-packed finish. The blend is 77% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Franc and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink from 2028-2045."
