Château Fleur Cardinale 2005

Vintage: 2005
Colour: Red
Origin: France - Bordeaux - Libournais - Saint-Emilion Grand Cru A.O.C.
Alc % by Vol: 13%
6 X .75l 254CHF


Robert Parker: 92-94/100
Le Point Magazine: 15.5/20
Decanter Magazine: ***
"Fleur-Cardinale's new owners, Dominique Decosters and his beautiful wife, Florence, of Havilland porcelain fame, assisted admirably by the top oenologist in Michel Rolland's laboratory, Jean-Philippe Fort, have turned this 40 plus acre vineyard into one of St.-Emilion's bright shining stars. There are just under 6,000 cases of this stunning blend of 80% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon. Its dense purple hue is followed by glorious aromas of flowers, black cherries, cassis, new saddle leather, and subtle wood. The wine reveals fabulous purity, beautiful symmetry, an expansive mouthfeel, a multilayered texture, magnificent richness, high tannin, and refreshing acidity. The alcohol is an unusually high 14.5% (a characteristic of many 2005 Right Bank efforts). This superb classic is not to be missed. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2025."

Description

17,5/20 GaultMillau, 92-94/100 R.Parker, *** Decanter, 15.5/20 Le Point . Acquired in 2000 by Florence and Dominique Decoster, this property today benefits from the very best of Haviland, former porcelain manufacturer, in Limoges. La Fleur Cardinale extends over 18 hectares, of which 15 are currently in production. Harvesting is done by hand and minute sorting results in wines of an incredible refinement. Today, wines produced here are renowned in the profession and among amateurs as being among the very best Saint-Emilion Grand Cru.