2007 Fleur Cardinale

Every bit as deep crimson as the 2008. Very sweet and chocolatey on the nose. Polished and sweet again – not the most refreshing. I find it just a bit too sweet for the weight of fruit and there is a little rusty-nail element creeping in on the finish. (JR)

Bright ruby-red. Ripe aromas of blackberry and licorice, with a violet topnote. A nicely sweet, pliant midweight, with good chewy texture and spine to its flavors of dark fruits, minerals, mocha and roasted meat. Finishes juicy and long, with sweet tannins, noteworthy length and a late hint of leather. A big success in the context of the vintage. (Incidentally, my sample of the Secret de Cardinale was quite dry in comparison: I couldn't find much fruit.)

A strong effort from this well-run estate, the 2007 Fleur Cardinale may turn out to be as good as the 2009, which is a slightly more ruggedly constructed and bigger wine, but not necessarily better. The 2007 is a mid-weight blend of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Yields were only 35 hectoliters per hectare, and the wine hit 13.5% natural alcohol. Sweet black currant and blueberry fruit intermixed with spring flower, graphite, and subtle wood aromas are followed by an intense, richly fruity St.-Emilion with low acids, sweet, ripe tannins, and a lush, heady finish. It should drink beautifully for a decade or more.