Bordeaux Wine Enthusiasts

Big fan of the 2005 and 2010, tried the '12 last night. Terrific wine and a great value ($35), went back and bought a case and a half this morning. Modern-styled to be sure, but balanced and delicious.

This is an outstanding property. I hear good things about the '11 too.

Haven't had the '11 but would love to try it based on the '12. '11 as a vintage was pretty dreadful based on the UGC tasting I attended so I haven't sought any '11s out. As a more modern-styled wine in recent vintages, Fleur Cardinale reminds me at times of Canon La Gaffeliere at slightly more than half the price.

Hmm. If it's like C-l-G I should give it a try. I saw some at a local store today but the price was very high compared to what everyone is seeing.

The 2010 Fleur Cardinale is a 97 point wine.

AKR wrote:Hmm. If it's like C-l-G I should give it a try. I saw some at a local store today but the price was very high compared to what everyone is seeing.

C-l-G usually has a bit more cab franc and is sometimes a little more exotic and spicy, but they are both incredibly well made, modern-styled wines. I don't think the '12 is that far off Jim's 97-point '10 FC. The '12 FC seems to be widely available in the States for $35-40 and is well worth a try.

I'm also a huge fan of Fleur Cardinale. The '10 was particularly stunning and I managed to get more at about $40 at the time, but I don't think you can get that price any more. On a slightly related note, I sourced some '11 Secret de Cardinale at $30. I believe it is a new property with no relationship with Fleur Cardinale but is also a St. Emillion Grand Cru and I assume nearby Fleur Cardinale and found it to be beautiful, at $30. I also attended the '11 UGC in SF and though I enjoyed it, I could the tell the vintage was very challenged. This '11 was really beautiful though and well worth the price.

The last paragraph on Jeff Leve's site for Fleur Cardinale talks about the Secret, see below.

The Decosters produce a second St. Emilion wine for Fleur Cardinale, Bois de Cardinale as well as Secret de Cardinal. Secret de Cardinale comes from vines located on a 1.20 hectare plot bordering Chateau Fleur Cardinale. This 100% Merlot wine is made using the same growing and wine making techniques as Chateau Fleur Cardinale. The 100% Merlot vines for Secret de Cardinale are on average, 35 years old. The terroir is clay and limestone soils. The wine is aged in 100% new French oak for an average of 13 months. The final vintage for Secret de Cardinal was the 2012. The wine is no longer being produced.

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