Straight to the point: I much preferred Dominique and Florence Decoster's Château Croix Cardinale 2014 to their Fleur Cardinale 2014. This year it is a blend of 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon with malolactic in new French oak barrels and subsequently aged on the lees with no stirring. It is crisp and fresh on the nose with lively black and blueberry fruit. The 100% new oak here feels nicely integrated even if I feel that it would have benefitted from less. The palate is medium-bodied with gently gripping tannin, good depth and acidity with a structured, quite dense finish. There is good breeding behind this Saint Emilion. Tasted twice with consistent notes.
Neal Martin - Wine Advocate 90-92 points