Château Croix Cardinale 2023

Since 2023, from south-facing sites with limestone soils; despite young vines, it shows depth and nobility, blackcurrant, violet; clean-cut, structured, energetic, chalky tannins, red-fruited finish. A wine to keep an eye on over the next few years.

Supple and alive, generous on the palate, juicy and bright but clearly concentrated and ripe, with fleshy tannins that fill the mouth and give a wide expression. Almost chunky, but it finishes clean, minty and lifted, giving finesse. On the bolder spectrum, there’s a lot going on here. Lots of herbal and spiced flavours with dark fruits and streaks of liquorice. Structured and firm. A touch of juiciness adds the needed bounce. Ageing 28% new oak.

Medium-bodied, forward, early-drinking charmer with a core of chocolate-covered cherries that is perfect for easy-to-like and early-drinking charm. This is the second wine of Croix Cardinale. Drink from 2026-2032. 88-90 Pts.

Deep ruby colour, opaque core, purple reflections. Delicate roasted aromas, black forest berries, dark cherries, a hint of ripe cherries, spicy bouquet. Dark berries, subtle fruit, vivid tannins, dark nougat on the finish, a full-bodied food wine.

The Decoster family own this 5.4ha estate that has seen significant investment over the past few years. Expect firm tannic grip here, with fresh, mouth-watering acidity from the first sip, along with red-fruit charm. An enjoyable wine that won’t need to be held too long before opening — think two or three years at most. It has grip and lift, although once again small volumes at 15hl/ha after frost — this is a cool sector of Saint‑Émilion, helping it keep these gorgeous nuanced flavours but exposing it to frost risk. Aged with 28% new oak.

Score: 90–92. A fleshy, intense nose built on ripe red-fruit aromas (cherry, blackcurrant) and violet. The palate is all juicy fruit, with a fresh backbone and velvety tannins. A beautiful balance that still needs time to settle.

Plum and raspberry compote notes are generous in feel, with dark tea, singed anise and violet filling in liberally throughout. Shows subtle underlying juiciness. Nicely done. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2027 through 2037. 970 cases made.