(91-93 points) Deep garnet in color with licorice, coffee bean, flowers, stone and spicy, plum scentsthe wine offers a supple, plush, polished and sweet finish brimming with boysenberry, fresh cherry, spice and cocoa. The wine was made with a blend of 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and reached 13.5% alcohol. After sorting, the yields were only 16 hectoliters per hectare. The wine is aging in 100% new French oak for close to 12 months. Read more at:https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/wine-tasting-note/?vintage=2013&wine=Chateau%20Fleur%20Cardinale

(NM89-91 points) The Fleur Cardinale was picked between 15 and 23 October at 17hl/ha - a blend of 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. It has a pleasant bouquet with ripe blackberry and cassis notes, perhaps just a touch of alcohol giving it lift. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins. There is good weight here and decent tension on the finish, though it cuts away a little quickly.

Stylish and ripe, with flattering raspberry and plum sauce flavors that glide along, enhanced by lively licorice and fruitcake notes. A touch of bramble adds length to the finish. Best from 2017 through 2023. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 2,733 cases made. –JM