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Fleur Cardinale 2006

St Emilion, Grand Cru Classé

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Tasting Notes

A blend of 75% Merlot and the balance Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, this up-and-coming estate has fashioned an outstanding 2006. While not as prodigious as the 2005, it is an exceptional effort boasting a dense purple hue as well as sweet aromas of blueberries, dark raspberries, licorice, camphor, and pain grille. Full-bodied, powerful, and layered with impressive purity, texture, and length, this unfined and unfiltered wine should be at its finest between 2013-2022.

Score: 91

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2013-2022 01 February 2009

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.

Score: 91 - 93

Robert Parker, - 01 January 1900

Tasted privately with a negotiant. A very sweet, slightly sugary, exotic nose. The palate is slightly better, although still suffers being excessively oaked and over-extracted. Black cherries, prune and dates. Lacks typicity and structure. Tasted April 2007.

Score: 83 - 85

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 01 May 2007

Very deep colour. Somehow they have managed to have overripe notes on the nose - incredible! Then drying and chewy on the palate. I tried a second bottle and I fear this wine is just fundamentally unbalanced. Very dry finish and unappetising nose. Inky finish. Not unpleasant - quite a bit of beef! Strapping, chewy tannins, dry finish, just-as-it-comes and no bones about it. Pretty solid and rasping tannins. Very different from some recent vintages of this wine.

Score: 15

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2014-2020 18 April 2007

This Chateau’s fortunes have been turned around since new owners Dominique and Florence Decoster took over in 2002. Jean-Luc Thunevin and Michel Rolland collaborate as consultants here. The 2006 is sweet and candied - lots of pure juice here in a modern, jammy style, with fairly hefty tannins that need to integrate.

Score: 90 - 92

Albany Vintners, - 01 April 2007