2020 Croix Cardinale
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Tasting notes
We visited Maison Fleur Cardinale during the Mentor Week in both 2024 and 2025, and each time it's a reminder of how impressive the work carried out by the Decoster family has been over the past few years. I opened this wine at home with friends a few weeks after the visit, and it's at a lovely moment to drink. Juicy acidities, bright redcurrant and raspberry fruits, with grip, lift and waves of floral aromatics. Tiny volumes at 15hl/h, no need to wait on this. Unfussy, skilfully put together. 28% new oak for ageing.
Critic scores
Neal Martin
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
The 2020 Château Croix Cardinale showed well, with a ripe, nicely balanced, medium to full-bodied profile carrying ample red, blue, and black fruits as well as some truffly, earthy, tobacco-like nuances. This round, supple, absolutely charming Saint Emilion is going to drink nicely for at least 8-10 years.
The 2020 Croix Cardinale has an open bouquet with brambly red fruit, cedar and light sous-bois scents that unfold in the glass. This is fairly composed and focused. The palate has retained that quasi-Médoc-like personality, very well balanced with fine salinity, though it needs just a tad more backbone right on the finish. Otherwise, this is very commendable.
The 2020 Croix Cardinale is a soft, understated Saint-Émilion that should drink well right out of the gate with minimal cellaring. Crushed red berry fruit, cedar, pipe tobacco and cinnamon all grace this silky, easygoing Saint-Émilion.