Château Fleur Cardinale 2021

Intensely perfumed on the nose, so expressive and aromatic with dark chocolate and blackcurrant liqueur aspects. Juicy, fresh, playful, lifted and upfront – this has a lot going on. It’s lightly framed with a lifted nature on the palate, the flavours all vertical and expansive but not heavy. It’s a delicate style in terms of structure but the flavours are persistent and really fill the mouth with a brightness as well as minty, chocolate, liquorice fresh tannins. I love this one – a real success of the vintage. Usually 70-75% Merlot, so this is a new Fleur Cardinale, the’ kind of blend we’d like to have in the future’ says Ludovic and Caroline Decoster, with increased plantings of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon taking place at the estate. Consultants Jean Philippe Fort – Michel Rolland Laboratoire. First year of conversion to organic, 2021 saw a loss of 50% production – 20% to frost and 30% to mildew. A fine effort. Drinking Window: 2024-2038. Score – 94. (Georgina Hindle, decanter.com)