2017 Chateau Fleur Cardinale Magnum (1500ml)

Other Reviews....
Fleur Cardinale was hit very hard by the frost—nearly all the vineyards were wiped out. Potential production for 2017 is only around 1,000 magnums. The tentative blend of the 2017 Fleur Cardinale is 45% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Very deep purple-black in color, it has a nose of baked blackberries, black cherries and dried mulberries with touches of underbrush, truffles and Chinese five spice. The palate is medium to full-bodied, velvety and packed with black fruits, finishing long and spicy.
92-94+ points
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - Wine Advocate #236 (April 2018)

This has a toasty profile, featuring ganache and warm tobacco notes surrounding a core of lightly steeped plum and blackberry fruit. Shows good flesh and depth, with a graphite accent buried through the finish. A very solid version of the style.—J.M.
90-93 points
Wine Spectator

A fresh and bright red with plum and currant character. Medium-bodied, tight and focused. On it. Only 1,000 mags made.
91-92 points
James Suckling

The 2017 Fleur Cardinale, which was 50% affected by frost, has a flamboyant bouquet that is fortunately well defined and shows a little more composure than past vintages that I often felt were over-egged. This shows more linearity and focus. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, supple tannin, judicious touches of white pepper and Asian spice that enliven the sustained finish whilst all the time retaining a sense of freshness and drinkability. Hopefully a prudent barrel maturation will ensure this turns into a fine Saint-Émilion.
91-93 points
Neal Martin - Vinous

The 2017 Fleur Cardinale is extraordinary. Sumptuous and explosive, rich, deep, head spinning endowed with magnificent intensity. A rush of red cherry, raspberry, leather and floral notes lift from the glass. Even with all of its richness, the 2017 possesses remarkable freshness and energy. Sadly, frost lowered production from 60-70,000 bottles to what will be around 1,000 magnums. Tasted two times.
94-97 points
Antonio Galloni - Vinous