95 Jonathan Choukroun - Vert de Vin

The nose is fruity, fresh, complex and reveals nice concentration of freshness/finesse, a certain intensity of finesse/delicacy/freshness. There are notes of fresh cherry, violet and, to a lesser extent, bright blackcurrant, combined with hints of fresh saffron, lilac and graphite, as well as fine hints of balsamic, a very discreet touch of timut pepper, vanilla and toast. The palate is fruity, balanced and reveals freshness, a nice acidic structure, minerality, a nice definition, elegance, some volume, a nice work of bitters, lightness in the sense of delicacy/subtlety. On the palate this wine expresses notes of fresh/crisp blackcurrant, pulpy/acidic blackberry and more lightly small red berry, crunchy cherry combined with hints of tonka bean, lilac, fine hints of tobacco as well as a subtle hint of cardamom, a very discreet hint of cocoa bitterness, toasted/roasted almond, roasted/charcoal (in the background). Good length.

92-94+ Antonio Galloni - Vinous

The 2021 Fleur Cardinale is an unqualified success for the Decoster family. Dense, rich and beautifully layered, the 2021 offers up copious dark plum, chocolate, spice and licorice, deftly balancing its extroverted personality with the vibrancy of the year. The 2021 was gorgeous both times I tasted it. Sadly, yields are down a startling 50%.

93-94 James Suckling - Jamessuckling.com

A refined and linear wine with blackberry and blueberry aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and a racy finish. Classy.

94 Georgina Hindle - Decanter

Intensely perfumed on the nose, so expressive and aromatic with dark chocolate and blackcurrant liqueur aspects. Juicy, fresh, playful, lifted and upfront - this has a lot going on. It's lightly framed with a lifted nature on the palate, the flavours all vertical and expansive but not heavy. It's a delicate style in terms of structure but the flavours are persistent and really fill the mouth with a brightness as well as minty, chocolate, liquorice fresh tannins. I love this one - a real success of the vintage. Usually 70-75% Merlot, so this is a new Fleur Cardinale, the' kind of blend we'd like to have in the future' says Ludovic and Caroline Decoster, with increased plantings of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon taking place at the estate. Consultants Jean Philippe Fort - Michel Rolland Laboratoire. First year of conversion to organic, 2021 saw a loss of 50% production - 20% to frost and 30% to mildew. A fine effort.