Classification | Cru Classe |
Type | Red |
Brand | Chateau La Fleur Cardinale |
Vintage | 2012 |
Country | France |
Region | Bordeaux, St. Emilion |
Grape | Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Bordeaux Blend |
Volume | 0,75 |
Condition | Perfect |
Label | Perfect |
Drinkable | -2030 |
Stock | 0 |
he flagship wine from the Decoster family, this blend of 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon has been a hugely successful wine since they acquired this 58-acre estate and revolutionized the level of quality. This is consistently one of the best St.-Emilions and over-achieving for its classification. The 2012 has pure, striking aromatics of blueberry, black raspberry, minerals and flowers. Medium to full-bodied, ripe and multi-dimensional, with a beautiful texture, this is stunning wine that completely dominates its classification and over-delivers in terms of quality and potential longevity. It should drink well for 15 or more years. Yields were a modest 34 hectoliters per hectare from an unusually late harvest – October 22 to November 2.
A lovely core of plum and blackberry fruit is augmented with ganache, dried anise and roasted alder notes. The toasty frame keeps this a bit squared off for now, but there's a very solid core of velvety fruit here.
Rene Gabriel rates this wine 18/20 points.