95

Antonio Galloni

Vinous

The 2022 Fleur Cardinale is pure and total sensuality. Silky and nicely layered, this medium-bodied Saint-Émilion is a delight. Elegant tannins complement a core of dark-toned fruit. Lavender, espresso, licorice, dried herbs and menthol lead into the long, sustained finish. 01/2025

92

Neal Martin

Vinous

The 2022 Fleur Cardinale has a refined bouquet with perfumed red berry fruit, licorice and light espresso scents unfolding on the nose. It has fine delineation. The palate is medium-bodied and silky smooth with pliant tannins, though you could argue that it needs more grip on the finish. That said, it slips down the throat with ease. 01/2025

96

Jeb Dunnuck

Jeb Dunnuck

The 2022 Château Fleur Cardinale is a blend of 78% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, vinified with a cold pre-fermentation maceration and raised for 12-14 months in 72% new French oak, 18% one-year-old barrels, 7% large foudres, and 3% amphora. It's a full-bodied, layered Saint-Émilion exhibiting dark berries, graphite, crushed stone, and truffly earth-like nuances on the nose. This ripe, yet flawlessly balanced Saint-Emilion has moderate acidity, silky tannins, and a seamless, polished texture. A slightly modern-styled expression, it’s nevertheless lush, opulent, and utterly compelling, showing both depth and finesse. 02/2025

95

Jean-Marc Quarin

Jean-Marc Quarin

Et voici que le 2022 dépasse le 2018. Bravo ! Quel Outsider ! Couleur sombre, intense, pourpre et belle. Nez moyennement aromatique, au fruité mûr, réglissé et un brin solaire. Juteux dès l'entrée en bouche, très aromatique au milieu, un gras fin parcourt le palais. Le vin fond entre le milieu et la finale tout à la fois gracieux et profond. C'est superbe et difficile à cracher. 02/2025

95

James Suckling

James Suckling

Spiced cherries, cedar, white pepper and dark mushrooms on the nose. Almost full-bodied on the palate, with ripe, dusty, caressing tannins that are evenly packed. Juicy, long and complete. Really well balanced and already appealing, but better after 2026. 01/2025