Fleur Cardinale 2016

A rising star among the Right Bank elite, Château Fleur Cardinale 2016 delivers everything you want from Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé—lush fruit, layered complexity, and age-worthy structure—all at exceptional value. This vintage, from a stellar growing season, shows the estate at its best.

A blend of Merlot (70%), Cabernet Franc (25%), and Cabernet Sauvignon (5%), it opens with intense aromas of blackberry, black cherry, licorice, and violet, with subtle mocha and toasty oak notes. The palate is rich and full-bodied, with velvety tannins, impressive depth, and a long, mineral-driven finish.

Both hedonistic and refined, this is a wine that will reward cellaring but also offers great pleasure now with a short decant.

Drink now through 2035. Decant 1–2 hours before serving.

Tasting Notes:

• Vintage: 2016

• Region: Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé, Bordeaux, France

• Grape Varieties: 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon

• ABV: ~14.5%

• Body: Full

• Style: Bold, rich Right Bank Bordeaux

Critic Ratings:

• James Suckling: 95 pts – “This is a powerful and structured Fleur Cardinale with full body, dense fruit and layers of polished tannins.”

• Wine Advocate (Lisa Perrotti-Brown): 94 pts – “Very deep, expressive and complex. Beautifully made.”

• Jeb Dunnuck: 94 pts – “A brilliant effort… loaded with fruit, yet elegant and focused.”

Food Pairing Suggestions:

• Herb-crusted rack of lamb

• Braised short ribs with red wine jus

• Truffle risotto or mushroom-stuffed pasta