Le Saint-Emilion De Fleur Cardinale

WINEMAKER NOTES

The idea suddenly came to them late one evening just as they were about to fall asleep. It suddenly caught their imaginations. They mulled it over for a few minutes, but then decided no…it wasn’t realistic. Days later that idea was still in their minds. It just wouldn’t go away. They hinted at it to others, who smiled in approval. It was a daring idea perhaps, but there are times when you want to believe, and nothing will stop you. They decided to pursue it.

It was Florence Decoster, the present owner, who first nurtured that idea and brought it to fruition in the year 2000. Her husband, Dominique, having just completed the sale of his Limoges porcelain business, Haviland, had his doubts. “And now buy a vineyard?” he wondered slightly perplexed. But slowly the idea grew on him, and finally Florence and Dominique, both of them lovers of nature and fine dining, became enamoured with their new plan.

Arriving for the first time at the Château Fleur Cardinale estate, which is located on a limestone plateau just a few miles from the historic village of Saint-Emilion, Florence and Dominique were amazed by the beauty of the place and its surrounding country-side. They acquired the property in May 2001.

TASTING NOTES

A deep garnet-red robe which is characterised by mauve tints. An elegant, powerful nose develops is attractively complex with grades of coffee, torrefaction, violet & liquorice. A long, powerful, tannic attack develops into grades of redcurrants and berries.

PAIRING SUGGESTIONS

An excellent wine to decant and serve with a shoulder of lamb or a roasted duck.  Best appreciated between 14 & 16°C.

VINEYARD

• Soil: Clayey sands

PRESS

“This generous and fruity wine, the equivalent of a third wine from this property, is richly structured and has firm tannins. The structure goes along with the full black-fruit flavors and acidity to give a wine that has good potential. Drink from 2021.”  – 89 points, Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast