Chateau La Fleur Cardinale (375ML half-bottle) 2005

"A stunning sleeper of the vintage, quality at this property has soared under the relatively new owners, Dominique and Florence Decosters. The 2005, a blend of 70% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, was fashioned from yields of 33 hectoliters per hectare. This concentrated wine possesses a gorgeous bouquet of smoke, black currant liqueur, lead pencil shavings, cedar, and Asian spices. In the mouth, it displays a chocolaty richness, a beautiful texture, an expansive, multilayered mouthfeel, and a 45-second finish. A fabulous effort, it will be drinkable in 4-5 years, and should last for over two decades."

95 Points

The Wine Advocate

"Beautiful aromas of black licorice, berry and vanilla follow through to a full body, with soft, velvety tannins and a long, caressing finish. Polished and very pretty. Incredibly well done for this estate."

93 Points

Wine Spectator

"Good deep red-ruby. Superripe, slightly high-toned aromas of black cherry, blackberry, mocha and licorice, with a hint of minerality adding complexity. Sweet and generous but with excellent flavor definition and plenty of underlying structure; in fact, this very juicy, fresh, mineral-driven wine shows a restrained sweetness and seems to be shutting down in the bottle. Builds impressively on the back end, with the chewy tannins coating the teeth."

92 Points

International Wine Cellar