2025 Croix Cardinale
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Tasting notes
The 2025 Croix Cardinale has an expressive nose with well-integrated new oak, the one-third malo in barrel lending a subtle creaminess to both the aromatics and the texture. The palate is nicely balanced, with a fresh entry and, again, a pleasant citrus note underpinning the red berry fruit, and a touch of spice towards the composed finish. Give it three years in bottle.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
A focused, elegant wine, the 2025 Château Croix Cardinale comes from a warmer, south-facing vineyard and is based on 56% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Franc, and 11% Cabernet Sauvignon raised in a mix of foudres, barriques, demi-muids, and amphorae. It offers darker red and black fruits, spicy wood, graphite, and some floral nuances on the nose. Medium-bodied on the palate, it's focused and elegant, with bright acidity and a juicy, balanced finish. I think it should certainly be outstanding, but I prefer its stablemate, the Château Fleur Cardinale.
Velvety and creamy with bright fruit character. Vivid and attractive. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. So supple and delicious.
The 2025 Croix Cardinale is an attractive Saint-Émilion. Cabernets play an important role in the blend. That comes through in the wine's strong savory inflections and overall structure. Blackberry, gravel, incense, dried flowers and cassis give this mid-weight Saint-Émilion good complexity and nuance. Tasted two times.