Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classé 2016 - Parker 93

Winemaker and Vineyard: The Château Fleur Cardinale spreads its vines over nearly 23 hectares. The estate is located in the commune of Saint-Etienne-de-Lisse, east of the Saint-Emilion appellation. The topography is diverse: the hillsides predominantly have fairly steep slopes (often 10%), and all orientations are found locally. Château Fleur Cardinale is situated on a north-facing hillside on a clay-limestone plateau. The vineyard, with vines averaging 30 years of age, benefits from a grape variety dominated by Merlot (75%), followed by Cabernet Franc (17%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (8%).

Tasting: The 2016 Fleur Cardinale is medium to deep garnet-purple colored and bursts from the glass with crushed blackberries, mulberries and chocolate-covered cherries with hints of spice cake, dried herbs and fragrant soil. The palate is medium to full-bodied and wonderfully elegant with soft, rounded tannins and a great backbone of freshness, finishing perfumed. robertparker.com (03.29.2019)

Service: Serve at room temperature (16-18°C) to accompany stuffed capon with chestnuts.