St. Emilion's Rising Star
Fleur Cardinale - "Now one of the bright, shining superstars of St Emilion" - Robert Parker, April 2007
In March of this year, JJ Buckley visited the beautiful estate of Fleur Cardinale in St Emilion, Bordeaux on an 'inside tip' from a Bordeaux negociant (with an excellent track record of making new discoveries). With rich clay and limestone soils, this 45 acre vineyard is planted with 70% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 15% Cabernet Franc. The winemaking team of Michel Rolland's top assistant, Jean-Philippe Fort (you'll be hearing much more about him in the near future), and Jean-Luc Thunevin (of Valandraud) fashion a wine of exceptional opulence, concentration, richness, yet refreshing acidity.
About Fleur Cardinale, Robert Parker has said "This up-and-coming estate deserves serious consideration from consumers", "An estate on a roll!", "one can't say enough about the efforts being made by Dominique and Florence Decosters at this property, which is now one of the bright, shining superstars of St.-Emilion", "Great value!", "Fleur-Cardinale has become a seriously run estate under the new owners, Dominique and Florence Decoster".
Although Fleur Cardinale's track record under the new owners only goes back to 2003, it is quite apparent this estate is for real. Somehow, this wine has remained just under the radar of the US wine consumer and with only 6,000 cases produced, it's easy to see why. However, there is no way a wine with ratings (RP91,91,93-95,91-93) like this will remain a bargain for long. From the 2004(RP 91-93), 2005 (RP 93-95)and 2006 (RP 91-93) vintage (with the exception of 2 wines in 2004), Fleur Cardinale is the least expensive St Emilion wine in the market with such high scores. What more can you ask for?
In Stock
2004 Fleur Cardinale Bordeaux Blend 750ml - $27.99
Robert Parker, Jan 2007, 91 points: "Proprietor Dominique Decoster (of Havilland porcelain fame) has fashioned an outstanding 2004 (a 5,800-case blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon). Made with the assistance of notable winemaking consultants Jean-Philippe Fort, from Michel Rolland's laboratory, and St.-Emilion's bad boy, Jean-Luc Thunevin, it is a powerful (14.5% natural alcohol) sleeper of the vintage. A dark ruby/purple hue is followed by aromas of crushed red and black fruits interwoven with notes of flowers, cedar, new oak, and licorice. Possessing supple tannin, an opulent, medium to full-bodied mouthfeel, and beautiful purity, texture, and length, it can be drunk now and over the next 15 years. An estate on a roll!"
Pre-Arrival
2005 Fleur Cardinale Bordeaux Blend 750ml - $43.99
Robert Parker, Jan 2007, 93 - 95 points: "Tasting even better than it did last year, one can't say enough about the efforts being made by Dominique and Florence Decosters at this property, which is now one of the bright, shining superstars of St.-Emilion. Michel Rolland's top assistants, Jean-Philippe Fort and Jean-Luc Thunevin, are both consulting at Fleur Cardinale. The 2005's blend of 80% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon has resulted in a formidable wine that even eclipses recent top vintages. A cold terroir has provided a high level of acidity that has admirably balanced this powerful wine's richness. Yields were only 33 hectoliters per hectare, which undoubtedly accounts for the 2005's extraordinary concentration. Pure creme de cassis, graphite, cedar, incense, and white flower characteristics, full body, moderately high tannin, and good underlying acidity are found in this offering. A fabulous sleeper of the vintage, it should be approachable in 5-6 years, but keep for two decades or more. Great value!"
2005 Fleur Cardinale Bordeaux Blend 6000ml - $479.99
2006 Fleur Cardinale Bordeaux Blend 750ml - $31.99
Robert Parker, Jan 2007, 91 - 93 points: "The 2006 may not turn out to be as good as the 2005 Fleur Cardinale, but this estate deserves its promotion in the most recent classification of St.-Emilion to a grand cru classe (suspended in March because of pending litigation). Tremendous efforts in both the vineyard and the winemaking have resulted in a succession of brilliant wines. Made with the consulting assistance of Michel Rolland's top assistant, Jean-Philippe Fort, and St.-Emilion's 'bad boy', Jean-Luc Thunevin, the 2006 is a blend of 75% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by a flowery nose offering notes of black fruits, crushed rocks, and spicy oak. Medium to full-bodied, elegant, pure, and precise, this stunner falls just short of rivaling the fabulous 2005. It should drink well for 10-15 years."
2006 Fleur Cardinale Bordeaux Blend 375ml - $17.99
2006 Fleur Cardinale Bordeaux Blend 1500ml - $67.99
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