2024 Ch Fleur Cardinale 1er Cru Grand Classé, St-Émilion

DUE OCT/NOV 2027

I like the pepper, red berries and dark cherries here. Lighter this year with a medium-bodied palate and a tangy lift of spices. Fresh, crunchy tannins in the middle are appealing. A firm and vibrating finish of very good length. Evenly packed and well-made. Likely to be a very solid choice from the vintage if you’re looking for balance and brightness.

93-94 points jamessuckling.com

Maison Cardinale, as the overall Decoster group of estates is now called, has produced a wine with energy and lift. Doing this in the 2024 vintage without overpowering acidity is a tough ask, but you can find a good example of what is possible here - smooth rich blackberry and red cherry fruits, firm tannic grip, definitely on the slim side of fruit expression on these north-facing slopes but with a ton slate minerality and finesse. 36% new oak, 42hl/h yield, 26ha vineyard, 25% 600l new oak casks, and 2% amphora. They have introduced a variety of differently-sized containers for ageing, overseen by technical director Ludovine Chagnon. The blend given is likely to be final, but the decision will be taken after ageing.

92 points janeanson.com

Incredibly exotic, with a liquid flower and sappy character that's balanced by bright red fruits and floral notes, the 2024 Château Fleur Cardinale is medium-bodied, has a juicy, focused mouthfeel, high yet integrated acidity, and outstanding length. This singular, incredibly floral, exotic Saint-Émilion should come together nicely in bottle.

91-93 points jebdunnuck.com