92-94

Antonio Galloni

Vinous

The 2025 Fleur Cardinale offers an intriguing mix of intense, dark-red-toned fruit and cooling savory/mineral undertones. Plum, mocha, espresso, licorice, dried herbs and rose petal flesh out in the glass, adding layers of dynamic energy and intensity. Bracing saline notes underpin the long, sustained finish. Tasted two times. 04/2026

92-94

Neal Martin

Vinous

The 2025 Fleur Cardinale is the best cuvée from the Decoster family this vintage. Very well defined on the nose, a mélange of red and black fruit, violet and iodine, there is a purity of fruit that is quite sensual. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, quite intense and a little more peppery than the Croix Cardinale, with gentle grip and a lingering finish. Give it three or four years and you will have a fine Saint-Émilion. 05/2026

93-95+

Jeb Dunnuck

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. 05/2026

95

Jean-Marc Quarin

Jean-Marc Quarin

Couleur noire, aux reflets pourpres. Nez moyennement intense, sentant bon la mûre et les épices. Ample à l'attaque, juteux en milieu de bouche, avec du volume et un corps très savoureux, le vin évolue très fruité et profond en finale. Belle persistance tramée et surtout très aromatique. Assemblage : 77 % Merlot, 21 % Cabernet Franc, 2 % Cabernet Sauvignon. Degré d'alcool : 13°8 - pH : 3,4. Rendement : 40 hl/ha avant sélection. Production : 100 000 bouteille. Vendanges : du 8 au 22 septembre. 04/2026

94-95

James Suckling

James Suckling

A medium-bodied red with blackberry, cedar and terra cotta character and plenty of subtle fruit and sophistication. Shows excellent potential. 04/2026