Chateau Fleur Cardinale – 2012 – Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classé

Very dense colour; inky black centre, coloured legs. Youthful intense nose, showing off some meaty notes, leather, plenty of dark fruit, vanilla, some new oak. The palate has a high concentration, plenty of extract. Tannins are still youthful but they’re rather ripe and will easily integrate in the wine over the coming years. Plenty of stuff going on here; new wood, vanilla, leather. Very dense palate, and despite that ripeness and richness it’s marked by a quite vital acidity, it’s fresh all along. Fairly well-integrated oak as well. It’s just the tannins that feel a bit present now, but once again it’s quality tannins that add freshness and length. Very long finish, good persistence. Very good material for further aging.

Tasted by the Best Sommelier of the World, Andreas Larsson.