2023 Croix Cardinale
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
A Merlot-heavy blend of 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon from a warmer, south-facing terroir, the 2023 Château Croix Cardinale sports a deep ruby/plum hue and reveals black raspberries, sappy flowers, graphite, and crushed stone on the nose. Aged in a mix of 28% new barrels, 17% second-fill barrels, 37% 500-liter second-fill barrels, and 18% amphora, it's medium-bodied on the palate, with a concentrated, pure, layered, graceful mouthfeel, rock-solid concentration, and a great finish. It's beautifully done and shows the class, purity, and precision this team delivers so consistently. Drink 2026-2046.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Neal Martin, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2023 Croix Cardinale hits the palate with copious dark fruit. Chocolate, new leather, licorice, dried herbs and incense follow, adding layers of nuance. This broad, substantial Saint-Émilion has quite a bit to offer, starting with its generous, large-scaled personality.
The 2023 Croix Cardinale is more reserved on the nose than the Révélation, although there is plenty of pure black cherry and crushed strawberry fruit, laced with violet, that will develop with time. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, a keen line of acidity, focused and poised with a brisk and bright finish. This should give 15 to 20 years' drinking pleasure.
The Grand Vin 2023 Château Croix Cardinale checks in as 52% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon raised in a mix of mostly larger barrels, 28% being new. A richer, concentrated 2023, it has rocking notes of ripe red and black fruits, smoked tobacco, chocolate, and crushed stone. This carries to medium to full-bodied, ripe, round, layered, nicely textured red with beautiful tannins and a great finish.